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

020 makes clear the City needs to control activity that could affect protected trees along streets and easements. " The permit is issued by the Director of the Public Works Department or a designee, and the applicant must pay the fee set by the Chapter's fee schedule, submit proof of any required insurance, and post any necessary bonds. Under Subsection G, the Director may also require a tree preservation plan, a stormwater pollution prevention plan, construction plans, or a traffic control plan before signing off.

A permit is not required for incidental work, though emergency trimming still requires an application within three days after the fact. Once granted, the permit is only good for 90 days unless a shorter term is set in the permit itself, and it lapses immediately if the trimming is not done consistent with its terms. The Director can also condition approval on additional notice to neighbors or other agencies. This section only reaches trees within the right-of-way or a public utility easement; heritage or landmark tree rules for private property sit in the Unified Development Code, which is published separately from this Code of Ordinances.