Metro Code Chapter 17.24 protects landmark and specimen trees on public property and on private development sites. Removal of designated trees requires Urban Forester approval, and replacement is calculated by trunk diameter using density unit credits.
Metro Code 17.24 establishes tree density unit (TDU) standards for development sites. Specimen trees, defined by species and diameter at breast height, count for additional density units and may not be removed without justification. Landmark trees identified by the Tree Advisory Committee receive heightened review. Site plans must show all protected trees, critical root zones, and proposed protective fencing during construction. Removal penalties are calculated as replacement TDUs at multiplied ratios. Single-family residential lots have lighter requirements but still face Urban Forester review for street-tree removal. The Urban Forester within Metro Public Works administers compliance.
Unpermitted removal of a specimen or landmark tree on a regulated site can require replacement at three times the TDU value, plus restoration costs. Civil penalties under Metro Code can exceed 500 dollars per tree per violation.
Nashville, TN
Nashville requires tree removal permits for protected trees under the Metro Tree and Landscape Code (Title 17, Chapter 17.40, Article X). Trees with a diamet...
Nashville, TN
Nashville provides enhanced protection for heritage and specimen trees through the tree protection ordinance (Chapter 17.40, Article X). Heritage trees — gen...
See how Nashville's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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