Baltimore County, MD Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Baltimore County, MD, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- County program
- Code Article 33, Title 6
- State law
- Md. Nat. Res. § 5-1601 et seq.
- Applies at
- 40,000 sq ft or greater
- Afforestation minimum
- 15% to 20% of net tract
- Below-threshold replanting
- 2 acres per acre cleared
Summary
Baltimore County administers the Maryland Forest Conservation Act (Code Article 33, Title 6). Clearing forest during subdivision, grading, or sediment-control work on 40,000+ sq ft requires a forest conservation plan, and cleared forest must be replanted under state ratios.
For the following land use categories, tracts having less than 20% of the net tract area in forest cover shall be afforested up to 20% of the net tract area.
Full Breakdown
For development, Baltimore County implements the Maryland Forest Conservation Act (Nat. Res. §§5-1601 et seq.) through Baltimore County Code Article 33, Title 6. The Act applies to any subdivision plan or grading/sediment-control application on areas of 40,000 square feet or greater. Applicants must submit a forest stand delineation and a forest conservation plan. Where existing forest is below the applicable conservation threshold, land must be afforested up to 20% (agriculture/medium-density residential) or 15% (higher-density, commercial, industrial) of the net tract area. Forest cleared below the threshold is reforested at 2 acres per acre removed; above the threshold, one-fourth acre per acre. Single private-lot tree removals fall outside the Act.
Violations & Fines
Development that clears forest without an approved conservation plan faces county enforcement, mandatory reforestation, and fee-in-lieu or mitigation payments under Article 33, Title 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a forest conservation plan?
Do I need one to remove a single yard tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baltimore County
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