Tree removal permit rules in Wauwatosa, WI — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Milwaukee County does not require a permit to remove a tree on private residential property. County forestry removes only hazardous trees in its 157 parks and on county grounds, largely driven by emerald ash borer. Street-tree and private-tree removal is a municipal matter.
No Milwaukee County ordinance governs removing a tree on private residential land; that authority rests with your municipality if it regulates trees at all. The Milwaukee County Parks Forestry Department removes trees only within the county park system and on county grounds. Since 2011 it has run a large emerald ash borer program, taking down thousands of dead ash trees across nearly all county parks and replanting over time. Milwaukee County Ordinance 47.08 makes it unlawful to cut down or remove park-system trees without written permission from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture. For private trees, Wisconsin has no statewide removal permit, so a homeowner needs no county permit, though a municipal permit and local zoning may apply.
Removing a private-property tree carries no county penalty. Cutting down or removing a county park tree without written DPRC permission violates Milwaukee County Ordinance 47.08 and can bring a forfeiture. Unauthorized removal of a municipal street tree is fined locally.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa Municipal Code Chapter 7.46 (Noise) within Title 7 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noise that injures the health, peace, or comfort of othe...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa requires pets to be confined by leash, pen, or fence on owner's property. Persistent barking is a nuisance violation under Ch. 7.46. Residents may ...
Wauwatosa, WI
RV and boat storage in Wauwatosa residential areas is regulated by city zoning. Generally one RV permitted on a residential lot with setback requirements. Fr...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa street parking follows local signage and Wisconsin traffic law. No city-wide overnight parking ban unless posted. Snow emergency restrictions apply...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Wauwatosa, WI
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Milwaukee County.
See how Wauwatosa's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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