Kootenai County, ID Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Kootenai County, ID, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- General tree permit
- None inland
- Protected zone
- 25 ft shoreline (8.7.111)
- Waters covered
- Lakes, CdA & Spokane Rivers
- Mechanical disturbance
- Needs Shoreline Mgmt Plan
- Fire/weed removal
- Permitted with approval
Summary
Kootenai County has no general tree-removal permit, but the distinctive Shoreline Management Area rule (County Code 8.7.111) protects trees and vegetation within 25 feet of Lake Coeur d'Alene and the rivers. Removal there is limited and mechanical disturbance needs a Shoreline Management Plan.
A shoreline management area of twenty five feet (25') in slope distance landward of the ordinary high water mark of all recognized lakes, the Coeur d'Alene River, and the Spokane River, is hereby established.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-10: Code current through: Ord. 633, passed December 23, 2025).
Full Breakdown
The county's tree-protection mechanism is the Shoreline Management Area, established 25 feet in slope distance landward of the ordinary high water mark of all recognized lakes, the Coeur d'Alene River and the Spokane River. Within it, tree removal and shrub trimming to create a view corridor are allowed only within Shoreline Management Code limits. Mechanical ground disturbances not otherwise permitted may be allowed only if the applicant demonstrates the need through a Shoreline Management Plan prepared by a design professional and Community Development finds the water-quality risk is no greater than doing the work by hand. Vegetation removal is permitted for approved wildfire-mitigation plans or noxious-weed abatement. Outside the shoreline zone, inland tree removal needs no county permit.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized vegetation removal or ground disturbance in the Shoreline Management Area is a site-disturbance code violation; Community Development can require restoration/replanting and assess penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree by the lake?
What about trees away from the water?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kootenai County
Compare Kootenai County to another location·View the Idaho landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.