Mount Vernon, NY Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Endangered/threatened list source
- NY 6 NYCRR 193.3 + Westchester County list
- Endangered trees automatically count as
- a protected significant tree
- Permit needed before removal
- yes, DPW permit
- Advance notice required
- 20 business days
- Permit fee per tree
- $50
- Board review trigger
- ARB/Planning Board apps, 5-year window
- Clear-cutting of 2+ trees
- strongly limited
Summary
Mount Vernon's tree code automatically classifies any state-listed endangered or threatened tree as a "significant tree," which cannot be removed without a Department of Public Works permit and, if a construction project is involved, sign-off from the Architectural Review Board or Planning Board. The protection tracks New York's protected native species list and the Westchester County list of endangered plants.
ENDANGERED OR THREATENED TREE: A tree listed as endangered or threatened on the New York protected native species list, 6 NYCRR 193.3, and/or the Westchester County list of endangered plants. ... SIGNIFICANT TREE: ... A tree that is protected under this chapter when it either: A. Has reached maturity, defined as, measuring 10 inches in diameter (31 inches circumference) or greater, at breast height (DBH), measured at 4.5 feet above natural grade level; or B. Has reached 75% of its maturity; or C. Is an endangered or threatened tree, as defined under the definition of 'endangered or threatened tree' in this § 252-2; or D. Is a heritage tree...
Full Breakdown
" Classifying a tree as significant pulls it out of the routine removal exemptions in § 252-4B(1): a homeowner cannot fell it just because it is small or inconvenient, and instead must file a tree removal permit application with the Department of Public Works under § 252-5, giving the City at least 20 business days' notice before removal and paying a $50 per-tree fee, waived only if the City Tree Surgeon finds the tree diseased or dangerous. If the property is also before the Architectural Review Board or Planning Board for a certificate of appropriateness, subdivision, site plan, or special use permit, § 252-6B and § 252-6C separately bar removal of any significant tree, endangered species included, without that board's approval within a five-year look-back window.
In deciding whether to allow removal, § 252-9 directs the approving authority to weigh factors including disease, hazard to safety, and whether removal amounts to prohibited "clear-cutting" of more than two trees on a lot.
Violations & Fines
Removing or authorizing removal of an endangered, threatened, or otherwise significant tree without the required Department of Public Works permit, or without Architectural Review Board or Planning Board sign-off when a board review applies, violates §§ 252-4B(2) and 252-6. A contractor who causes sidewalk, structure, or property damage while removing a tree is separately liable for those repair costs under § 252-4B(4).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a tree on my property if it's a state-listed endangered species?
Who decides if my endangered tree can come down?
What list does Mount Vernon use to decide a tree is endangered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mount Vernon
New York rules heatmap·Compare Mount Vernon to another location·View the New York tree protection overview
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