Southampton Village, NY Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

The permit rule in § 107-12A covers two acts: destroying or removing a tree from the soil, and any act that causes the destruction or cessation of life functions of the tree. It applies to a tree growing upon a parcel designated a public place, including but not limited to the Village right-of-way. A heritage tree carries extra weight: under § 107-12B the Tree Commission has the right to deny the permit when the tree has been designated a heritage tree.

Applications go to the Village Tree Commission and must give the name and address of the applicant and owner, the purpose of the proposed removal, the site, and an attached sketch or plan of the area (§ 107-13A). The Commission weighs six considerations: the location and size of the tree, its condition with respect to disease and potential for hazardous conditions, its proximity to existing or proposed structures and utility appurtenances, the necessity of the removal for the proposed project, the environmental and community character effect, and the considerations in the legislative intent of the chapter. It acts on the advice and recommendations of the Village Arborist or designee, advises the applicant in writing of its decision within 30 days of submission, and issues the permit on a favorable determination. The fee is set by Village Board resolution (§ 107-13E), and the Arborist can attach reasonable conditions to a permit (§ 107-7B).

Public trees must be protected during construction. Temporary wooden tree guards go immediately around each tree impacted by demolition or construction, and bulk material, equipment, scaffold footings or vehicles cannot be stockpiled or parked within the critical root zone (§ 107-14A). A public utility under Public Service Commission jurisdiction must obtain a permit before removing a tree on public lands (§ 107-15B).

On private land the chapter works through orders. Section 107-10A authorizes the Village Arborist to order the pruning, treatment or removal of trees that cause obstructions, present insect or disease problems or are an otherwise present danger to public health or safety, and § 107-14C requires permission and a permit before a heritage tree is removed anywhere in the Village.