Pontiac, MI Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Pontiac, MI, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Any protected tree, 6-inch d.b.h. or larger
- Application filed with
- Department of Community Development
- Neighbor notice radius
- 500 feet, by mail
- Permit term
- Up to 18 months before it voids
- Large-tract preservation floor
- 80% of protected trees retained
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 90 days, or both
Summary
No one may remove, transplant, damage or destroy a protected tree anywhere in the City of Pontiac without first obtaining a tree removal permit under City Code § 130-3. Applications go to the Department of Community Development, neighbors within 500 feet get mailed notice, and permits run up to 18 months before they lapse.
130-3 Tree removal permit required. ... (a) Requirement established. Subject to the exceptions enumerated herein, no person shall removed, cause to be removed, transplant, damage, or destroy, on any land in the City of Pontiac, any protected tree, as defined above, without first obtaining a tree removal permit. ... 130-11 Violations of Woodlands Preservation Regulations. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.00 or imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both. Inspectors of the community development department or police officers may issue tickets or citations for violations of this chapter. The law department may issue complaints and warrants for violations of this chapter. The removal or damage of each protected tree shall constitute a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
Section 130-3(a) bars removing, transplanting, damaging or destroying any protected tree on any Pontiac land without a permit, subject to the exceptions in § 130-4 (licensed tree farms, storm emergencies, utility work, government agencies, dead or diseased trees on small tracts, and forester-certified management plans). A written application and fee set by City Council resolution go to the Department of Community Development under § 130-5; where a site plan or plat is required, that review substitutes for a separate permit. Section 130-6 splits review authority between the Planning Commission, for sites needing site plan or plat approval, and the Community Development Department otherwise, and requires mailed notice to every owner within 500 feet of the affected property before a permit issues.
Section 130-7's review standards favor preservation, denying removal unless it is necessary for construction with no feasible on-site alternative, or the tree is diseased, damaged, hazardous, or blocking utilities or clear vision. Granted permits can carry conditions, require a cash or bond security for residential or commercial development under § 130-6(e), and expire after a maximum of 18 months under the same section. Removed protected trees must be replaced or relocated per § 130-8's caliper-matching rules, and protective barriers must ring preserved trees during construction under § 130-9.
A denial can be appealed to the City Council for a public hearing under § 130-14, with further appeal to the Oakland County Circuit Court.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 130, including cutting a protected tree without the § 130-3 permit, is a misdemeanor under § 130-11: a fine up to $500.00, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, with each removed or damaged protected tree charged as a separate offense. Community Development Department inspectors and police officers may issue citations, and the law department can issue complaints and warrants. The Director of Community Development may also issue a stop-work order or withhold a certificate of occupancy under § 130-10 until the violation is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Pontiac?
How long is a Pontiac tree removal permit good for?
Will my neighbors be notified if I apply for a tree removal permit?
What if my Pontiac tree removal permit is denied?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pontiac
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Oakland County handle tree removal & heritage trees.