Syracuse, NY Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Syracuse, 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
- Permit issued by
- Commissioner of parks and recreation
- Covers
- Street trees in city right-of-way
- Max fine
- $150
- Max jail
- 15 days
- Planting in ROW
- Also requires written permit
Summary
Syracuse bars anyone from cutting down, trimming, or damaging a street tree in a city right-of-way or public place without a written permit from the commissioner of parks and recreation. Planting in the right-of-way also needs a permit. Street trees become city property.
No person shall cut down any tree in or on a city street right-of-way or public place, or cut any branch or limb therefrom, or otherwise disrupt or degrade tree form or health, without a written permit from the commissioner of parks and recreation. … Any person adjudged to have violated the provisions of sections … 22-5(a) … shall be guilty of a violation which shall be punishable by imprisonment which shall not exceed fifteen (15) days or shall be liable to pay a fine not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) or both.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 41).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 22 of Syracuse's Revised General Ordinances, no person may cut down a tree in or on a city street right-of-way or public place, cut any branch or limb, or otherwise disrupt or degrade tree form or health without a written permit from the commissioner of parks and recreation (Sec. 22-5(a)). Planting in the right-of-way likewise requires a permit, and any tree so planted becomes property of the city (Sec. 22-4). The Department of Parks and Recreation is authorized to remove, trim, or maintain street trees. A 'street tree' includes trees on public right-of-way land between the sidewalk and the adjacent property line.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Sec. 22-5(a) is punishable by imprisonment not to exceed fifteen (15) days, a fine not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00), or both (Sec. 22-11).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim the tree in front of my Syracuse house?
Does this apply to trees on my private property?
What is the penalty for removing a street tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Syracuse
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