Richardson, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Richardson, TX, 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
- Protected (6"+ DBH) or specimen (24"+ DBH) trees
- Applies to
- Nonresidential, multifamily, undeveloped property
- Fine for unpermitted removal
- Up to $2,000 per tree
- Removal window
- 180 days, one 30-day extension
- Emergency removal
- Allowed, permit due next business day
- Residential exemption
- Developed single-family/duplex lots
Summary
On nonresidential, multifamily and undeveloped property in Richardson, cutting down a protected tree (6-plus inches DBH) or a specimen tree (24-plus inches DBH) requires a permit from the development services director first. Removing one without a permit is a separate offense per tree, punishable by up to $2,000. Developed single-family and duplex homes are exempt.
No person, directly or indirectly, shall cut down, destroy, remove, or effectively destroy through damaging any protected tree or specimen tree within the city without first obtaining a tree removal permit, as provided in this section. Each removal of a protected tree or specimen tree without first obtaining a tree permit shall constitute a separate offense and shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of up to $2,000.00.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
00 on conviction. 5-8, and the director can approve, approve with conditions, or deny it. Two carve-outs skip the standard process. 5-7 mitigation requirement. Under subsection (d), an owner facing a genuine emergency may remove a protected or specimen tree immediately without a permit, but must apply for one no later than the next city business day, and that removal is also mitigation-free. Once issued, a permit gives the owner 180 days to complete the removal, with one 30-day extension available from the director; missing that window means applying all over again. 5-2(a).
Violations & Fines
Cutting down a protected or specimen tree without a permit is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.00 per tree under section 22.5-6(a), with each tree removed counted as a separate offense. The development services director, city building official, or another authorized representative can issue a stop-work order on activity removing trees in violation of the chapter and issue a notice of violation adjudicated in municipal court, per section 22.5-4(a); the director's interpretation of the article can be appealed to the board of adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree at my Richardson house?
What's the fine for removing a protected tree without a permit on commercial property?
Can I take down a dangerous tree right away?
How long do I have to finish removing a tree once the permit is issued?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richardson to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle tree removal & heritage trees.