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Celina, TX Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Protection threshold
6-inch DBH, or noteworthy species/age/rarity
Permit required
Before removing or critically altering protected tree
Governing sections
Zoning Code §§ 14.04.202, 14.04.210
Penalty
Misdemeanor fine plus double removal fee
Appeals
Planning & Zoning Commission acting as tree board

Summary

Celina designates any tree with a trunk diameter of six inches or greater, or one deemed noteworthy for species, age, size, or rarity, as a legally "protected tree" requiring a removal permit.

Tree, protected. Any tree that has a trunk DBH of six (6) inches or greater at a height of four and one-half (4-1/2) feet above the ground or which is otherwise noteworthy because of species, age, size, or rarity.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Zoning Code § 14.04.202, Celina defines a "protected tree" as any tree with a trunk DBH of six inches or greater, or one that is otherwise noteworthy because of species, age, size, or rarity: the city's functional stand-in for a heritage-tree designation. Removing or critically altering a protected tree requires a tree removal permit and tree survey under § 14.04.210; the planning director must deny an application if the tree, due to noteworthy species, age, or rarity, warrants extra protection. Violators face misdemeanor fines, doubled removal fees, and mandatory mitigation payments into the city's tree fund.

Violations & Fines

Unauthorized removal is a misdemeanor: double the tree removal permit fee, mandatory arborist valuation of the lost tree, withheld development permits until mitigation is resolved, and a separate fine for each day a required replacement tree isn't planted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Celina have a heritage tree ordinance?
Not by that name: its zoning code protects any tree with a 6-inch DBH trunk or one noteworthy for species, age, size, or rarity, under §§ 14.04.202 and 14.04.210.
Can I remove a protected tree without a permit?
No. A tree removal permit and tree survey are required first, and the director must deny removal of trees that warrant extra protection for their species, age, or rarity.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Celina

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Erosion ControlSome RestrictionsPrivacy & Surveillance: Security Camera RulesSome Restrictions

All Celina rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Celina to another location·View the Texas tree protection overview

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