Southampton, NY Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Southampton, NY, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Significant tree threshold
- 18 inches DBH
- Permit trigger
- Over 2,000 sq ft clearing on 20,000+ sq ft lots
- Review timeline
- 30 days after complete application
- Enforcing agency
- Land Management Administrator
- Heightened review
- Over 50% vegetation clearing needs Planning Board
- Maximum fine
- $1,000 per offense per day
Summary
In the Town of Southampton outside the villages, removing trees or changing grade by more than two-foot contours on a lot of 20,000 square feet or larger, over a 2,000-square-foot threshold, requires a Land Disturbance Permit from the Land Management Administrator before work begins, and significant trees of 18 inches DBH or larger get special protection in the review.
The provisions of this article shall apply to land disturbance that results in the removal of trees and/or topographic changes in accordance with the following: ... Land disturbance of any one area, or sum total of areas greater than 2,000 square feet (sq. ft.) and/or grade changes in excess of two foot contours from existing natural grade on properties with a lot size of 20,000 sq. ft. or greater in all residential and commercial districts. ... SIGNIFICANT TREE All healthy trees with a trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) of at least 18 inches. ... Removal of trees and/or any topographic changes pursuant to § 330-69.6A shall not commence until such time that a land disturbance permit has been issued by the Land Management Administrator or designee.
Full Breakdown
Article XIIIA of the Town Code, the Land Disturbance Ordinance added 5-12-2026 by Local Law No. 13-2026, governs tree removal and grading Town-wide outside the incorporated villages. Section 330-69.6.A sets the trigger: a permit is required once land disturbance on any one area, or the sum of areas, exceeds 2,000 square feet, or grade changes exceed two-foot contours from natural grade, on residential or commercial lots of 20,000 square feet or more; any clearing at all of undeveloped forested property requires a permit regardless of size.
Section 330-69.9.A makes the timing explicit: removal shall not commence until such time that a land disturbance permit has been issued by the Land Management Administrator or designee. The ordinance singles out large trees for extra protection through the defined term significant tree in § 330-69.7, meaning all healthy trees with a trunk diameter at breast height of at least 18 inches. Under § 330-69.11.A(2), significant trees shall be preserved and protected to the furthest extent practicable when the Land Management Administrator reviews an application, alongside habitat connectivity and topography considerations.
Applications must show the location of any significant trees, per § 330-69.10.C, and the Administrator has 30 days after a complete submission to decide, using GIS mapping and, if needed, a field inspection under § 330-69.11.C. Disturbance beyond 50% of a site's natural vegetation triggers a heightened review, requiring landscape plans stamped by a licensed landscape architect or certified arborist and referral to the Planning Board under § 330-69.10.E.
Violations & Fines
Clearing trees or grading without the required permit is unlawful Town-wide under § 330-69.14.A. Courts may impose up to $1,000 per offense per day the property remains cleared without a valid permit, charge an unclassified misdemeanor, and add a mandatory $100 blight mitigation surcharge; a judge may substitute up to 24 hours of community service instead of a fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove trees on my Southampton property?
What counts as a significant tree the Town protects?
How long does approval take?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Southampton
New York rules heatmap·Compare Southampton to another location·View the New York landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Suffolk County handle tree removal & heritage trees.