Wichita Falls, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Wichita Falls, TX, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Appendix B Zoning, § 6820
- Applies to
- Non-residential and multifamily development
- Homes exempt
- Single-family, duplex, zero-lot-line
- Preservation credit
- Preserved canopy tree counts as two
- Enforcer
- Dept. of Community Development
Summary
Wichita Falls requires new commercial, multifamily, and nonresidential development to meet its landscape tree counts by preserving existing trees first, and bars clearing street right-of-way trees unless no reasonable alternative exists. Single-family, duplex, and zero-lot-line homes are exempt.
The number of trees required shall be met, whenever possible, by the preservation of existing trees. Where parking lots are to be constructed to serve any development, the development shall be designed where possible so as to avoid locating parking or paving if such would result in the removal of any existing trees. ... C. Existing trees in the street right-of-way shall not be cleared, unless no other reasonable alternative is possible.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Section 6820 of Appendix B (Zoning) states the required number of trees 'shall be met, whenever possible, by the preservation of existing trees,' and parking lots must be designed to avoid removing existing trees. Removal is allowed only if enough trees remain to meet requirements or the tree blocks utilities, drainage, drives, or parking, and only after weighing rerouting feasibility and cost. Street right-of-way trees cannot be cleared unless no reasonable alternative exists. A canopy tree measured at three times the required caliper earns a two-tree preservation credit under 6830. The Department of Community Development approves the mandatory landscape plan before any building permit issues; dead or dying required trees must be replaced.
Violations & Fines
No building permit or certificate of occupancy issues without an approved landscape plan; the city can order owners to replace dead or dying required trees and to abate any noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Wichita Falls homeowners need permission to cut down a tree?
Can a developer remove an existing tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita Falls
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Wichita Falls to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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