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Lorain County, OH Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Tree removal permit rules in Lorain County, OH, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.

Key Facts

Private-tree permit
Not required
Public-tree permit
Required (Elyria)
Elyria section
Codified Ordinance 553.05
Issuing authority
City Urban Forester
Dripline construction
Also permitted

Summary

Lorain County requires no permit to remove a tree from private land. Public trees are protected: Elyria Codified Ordinance 553.05 bars anyone from cutting or treating a tree in a public way, tree lawn, street, or on City property without a free permit from the City Urban Forester.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lorain County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person shall plant, cut, trim or treat any tree or shrub upon any public way, tree lawn, street, alley or City property without first obtaining a permit therefor from the City Urban Forester.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025-01: Local legislation current through September 2, 2025 | State legislation current through June 5, 2025).

Full Breakdown

Tree-protection permitting in Lorain County exists at the city level for public trees, not at the county level and not for private yards. Elyria CO 553.05 requires a permit from the City Urban Forester before any person plants, cuts, trims, treats, or removes a tree or shrub in a public way, tree lawn, street, alley, or on City property; the permit is free. The city further requires a permit before excavating, filling, or building within the dripline of a public tree, protecting street trees during construction. Lorain and other municipalities operate comparable shade-tree programs. Always contact your city forestry or service department before removing a curb-lawn tree.

Violations & Fines

Removing or damaging a protected public tree without the required city permit can bring a municipal citation and liability for the tree's replacement value.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a tree-removal permit?
When the tree is a public/right-of-way or tree-lawn tree. Elyria requires a free City Urban Forester permit; a tree entirely on your private lot needs no permit.
Is the Elyria tree permit expensive?
No. Elyria CO 553.05 states there is no fee for the tree and shrub permit. The requirement exists to protect public trees, not to raise revenue.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lorain County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Lorain County rules

Compare Lorain County to another location·View the Ohio landscaping rules overview

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