Montgomery County has a comprehensive framework of tree protections spanning Chapter 22A (Forest Conservation), Chapter 49A (Roadside Trees), and M-NCPPC regulations for park trees. The county is widely recognized as having among the strictest local tree laws in the Washington DC metropolitan region.
Montgomery County protects trees through multiple overlapping regulations. Chapter 22A, the Forest Conservation Law, requires forest conservation plans for most development activities and protects individual trees 6 inches DBH and larger on development sites. Chapter 49A, the Roadside Tree Law, protects all trees within or overhanging the public right-of-way and requires MCDOT permits for any pruning or removal. M-NCPPC regulations protect trees on all parkland, which covers roughly one-third of the county. The county also enforces tree protection during construction through sediment control permits, requiring tree save fencing around the critical root zone (defined as 1 foot of radius per inch of trunk diameter) of protected trees. No grading, trenching, material storage, or equipment operation is permitted within tree save areas. The Tree Montgomery program offers free shade trees to county residents and provides educational resources on proper tree care. The county arborist within MCDOT advises on roadside tree issues, and the M-NCPPC environmental planning staff reviews forest conservation plans.
Tree protection violations range from $100 to $500 per tree depending on the regulation violated. Construction activity within tree save areas can trigger stop-work orders. Damage to public trees requires replacement at the violators expense plus potential fines.
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Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County Code §31-14 prohibits parking heavy commercial vehicles (over 10,000 lbs, 21+ ft, 8+ ft high) on public residential roadways. One light com...
Montgomery County, MD
Abandoned vehicles in Montgomery County are subject to state and county law. MD Transportation Code §25-201+ defines abandonment; county can tag and tow vehi...
Montgomery County, MD
Maryland has no shared fence cost statute. Each owner responsible for their own fence. Spite fence provision under MD RP Art. §14-120.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones under Ch 59. HOAs commonly restrict chain-link fencing. Approve...
Montgomery County, MD
Maryland’s Tracey’s Law (2014) treats all dog breeds equally under negligence standard. No breed-specific strict liability. Dangerous dogs behavior-based.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. Rabies vaccination required statewide. MD Criminal Law §10-619 covers...
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