Allentown, PA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Chapter 597, Article I (Shade Trees), adopted March 16, 2016 by Ordinance No. 15277, defines three heritage categories the Shade Tree Commission and Construction Operations Manager use to flag trees for protection. A historic tree carries a significant and documented historic event tied to the tree or its property. A champion tree is designated by the Construction Operations Manager or a designee for unique size, location, age or other significant factors. A remembrance tree is any documented tree planted as a memorial to a person or event.

Under § 597-5A(6)(a), any shade tree encroaching into a public right-of-way or on public property must be preserved if it fits one of those three categories. Section 597-5A(6)(b) sets the removal standard: a removal permit issues only after all remedial arboriculture practices under ISA ANSI A300, or equivalent best design practices, have been exhausted. 5 feet above grade; if the removed tree can't be measured or identified, the code sets its diameter at 24 inches for replacement purposes. The Shade Tree Commission, an eight-member body of five City residents plus three ex officio members appointed under § 597-2, administers permits and hears appeals of denials within 20 days, with further appeal to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas under the Local Agency Law.