Clarkstown, NY Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

18-1-22. Both fall under the chapter's definition of "protected tree" in §270-3: a tree of a specific species or size that may not be reshaped, altered, damaged, relocated or removed without first obtaining a tree removal and cutting permit from the Town of Clarkstown. That permit runs through the same process as any other tree removal permit: an application to the Department of Engineering and Facilities Management (DEFM) under §270-6 and §270-10, a site inspection under §270-11 and §270-12, and a nonrefundable review fee under §270-13.

Because these two trees are individually named rather than qualifying by a general size threshold, no DBH exemption applies to them the way it might for an ordinary tree; any work altering or removing either the Village Square Sycamore or the Promenade Oak requires the permit regardless of the tree's condition unless it is dead, dangerous or otherwise excepted under §270-6B. An applicant denied a permit affecting either tree may appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals within 10 business days under §270-15A, which must hold a hearing within 60 calendar days, with further review available to the State Supreme Court under Article 78 of the CPLR within 30 days of the Board's decision.