Tree removal permit rules in Peoria, IL — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Peoria does not require a permit to remove a tree on private residential property. Parkway trees (those in the public right-of-way between sidewalk and curb) cannot be removed without authorization from the City Forester through Public Works. Where utility lines are involved, Ameren Illinois handles clearance work, and JULIE (811) must be called before any excavation that disturbs roots near underground utilities.
Peoria's tree-removal framework is relatively permissive for private property. Residential owners can remove trees in their own yards without a municipal permit, though tree-removal contractors should typically pull a general contractor's business license and follow OSHA fall-protection standards. The contrasting rule applies to parkway trees: those between the sidewalk and the curb are public property and may only be removed by the City Forester or an authorized contractor — typically when the tree is dead, hazardous, or interfering with utility lines. Public Works (309-494-8800) handles parkway-tree requests. Where a private tree threatens utility lines, Ameren Illinois performs vegetation management at no homeowner cost. Before any excavation associated with stump removal or root pruning, JULIE (Illinois One-Call System, 811) must be contacted at least 48 hours in advance under the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (220 ILCS 50/). The Illinois Forestry Development Act (525 ILCS 15/) at https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1768 provides state-level tax incentives for managed forest land but does not impose private-property removal restrictions in incorporated municipalities.
Removing a parkway tree without authorization is a Chapter 22 violation with fines of $100-$500 per tree plus a replacement-cost assessment ($500-$2,000+ per tree). Failure to call JULIE before excavation is a state-level violation under 220 ILCS 50/ with civil penalties up to $5,000. Damage to underground utilities during unauthorized excavation can result in repair-cost recovery.
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See how Peoria's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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