West Haven, CT Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Section 213-4 of the Tree Ordinance, adopted 11-25-2002 by the City Council of the City of West Haven, names three acts that need a permit from the City Tree Warden. The first is to prune, remove or otherwise disturb any tree, shrub or forested area on City-owned property. The second is to damage, cut or transplant any tree or shrub on City-owned property. The third is to damage the root zone of a City-owned tree or shrub by digging a tunnel or trench, moving or storing construction vehicles, materials or equipment, or changing the grade within the drip line. The permit text is written for City-owned property, which under § 213-2 includes property within lawfully established rights-of-way.

Three exceptions apply. The Commissioner of Parks and Recreation oversees trees and shrubs within any City park, public utilities can perform routine trimming that complies with § 213-3B(2)(e), and the West Haven Board of Education is responsible for trees on public school grounds.

The Tree Warden must post a notice on trees on City property at least 10 days before planned removal, unless the condition of the trees is an immediate public hazard (§ 213-3B(2)(c)). Under § 213-5D, anyone granted a permit to remove trees or shrubs on public property can be required to replace them or substitute appropriate landscape plants, but only by written permission of the City Tree Warden or Tree Commission, within 30 days. If it is not planting season at the time of removal, the thirty-day period starts at the beginning of the next planting season. Utilities that remove a City tree without prior approval pay for replacement with a similar species. On new construction on private or City property, § 213-6B has the Tree Warden work with the developer or homeowner on the number and size of trees proposed for removal and on retaining existing trees.