Stamford, CT Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Stamford, CT, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Authority
- City Landscape Specialist
- Applies to
- Trees on public roads/grounds only
- Fine
- Up to $90 per offense
- Decision deadline
- 35 days or deemed approved
- Extra liability
- Cost of tree replacement
Summary
Cutting, removing, or pruning any tree or shrub within a Stamford public road or public grounds, including street trees, requires written permission from the City's Landscape Specialist; unauthorized removal draws a fine plus replacement cost.
Any person, firm, company, corporation or other entity that removes, prunes, injures or defaces any tree or shrub or causes the same to occur within the limits of any public road or grounds without the written permission of the Landscape Specialist of the Office of Operations, or the Landscape Specialist's designee, shall be fined not more than ninety dollars ($90.00) for each offense and shall be liable for the cost of replacement of such tree or shrub.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Stamford's Landscape Specialist in the Office of Operations controls every tree and shrub within the limits of a public road or public grounds under § 227-1. Anyone other than the Landscape Specialist who wants to cut, remove, or prune such a tree must apply in writing; the Specialist must issue a decision within 35 days, based on whether the work protects public safety or abates a nuisance, or the request is deemed approved. Removing or pruning a public tree without that written permission is fined up to $90 per offense, plus the cost of replacing the tree. This chapter governs trees on public roads and grounds: it does not require a city permit to remove a tree on private property.
Violations & Fines
Removing, pruning, injuring, or defacing a public tree without written permission from the Landscape Specialist is fined up to $90 per offense, with each affected tree a separate violation, plus liability for the tree's replacement cost (§ 227-1.1).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a street tree in Stamford?
What happens if I remove a Stamford street tree without permission?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stamford
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