Tree removal permit rules in Rowlett, TX — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Rowlett protects trees with an 8-inch caliper or larger trunk (measured at DBH, 4.5 feet above ground) that are not invasive species. Removing a protected tree is regulated under the Development Code (Sec. 77-504), and removal generally triggers replacement planting or a fee-in-lieu of $121.67 per caliper inch paid to the City Reforestation Fund.
Under Rowlett's Plant Material/Protected Tree Guide and Development Code Chapter 77 (Sec. 77-504), a 'protected tree' is defined as a tree with a trunk measuring 8 inches caliper at DBH (diameter at breast height, four and one-half feet above ground) or greater that the Director of Parks and Recreation or designee determines is not an invasive species. Removing a protected tree is reviewed by the Community Development Department, Planning and Urban Design Division. When protected trees are removed, the owner or developer mitigates by replanting replacement trees on site; as an alternative to planting required replacement trees, a fee-in-lieu of $121.67 per caliper inch removed may be paid to the City of Rowlett Reforestation Fund. Applications and the Vegetation Removal/Pruning Permit checklist are filed with Planning at 5702 Rowlett Road, (972) 463-3927. Texas Local Government Code Sec. 250.008 frames how Texas cities may regulate tree removal on residential property (including credits for replanting), and Rowlett's ordinance operates within that framework. Invasive species are excluded from 'protected tree' status by definition.
Removing a protected tree without required City approval can result in Development Code enforcement, after-the-fact mitigation (replanting or the $121.67-per-caliper-inch fee), and municipal penalties. Mitigation obligations attach per caliper inch removed, so unauthorized clearing of large or multiple protected trees can be costly.
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