Philadelphia's tree protection is governed by the Philadelphia Code Title 17 (Parks and Recreation) and enforced by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation's TreePhilly program. Street trees are protected and may not be removed without a permit from the city. The city also regulates tree removal during development through the Earth Disturbance and Stormwater Management regulations.
Philadelphia protects public street trees under Title 17, Chapter 3 of the Philadelphia Code. No street tree may be removed, pruned, or damaged without authorization from the Department of Parks and Recreation. The city's TreePhilly program manages the urban tree canopy and provides free trees to residents. For development projects, the Philadelphia Water Department's stormwater regulations require tree preservation as part of green infrastructure planning. Trees on private property are less regulated, though the Historical Commission may weigh in on tree removal in historic districts. Philadelphia's target is to achieve 30% tree canopy coverage citywide by 2025, up from approximately 20%. The city's Green Plan requires developers to include tree planting in landscaping plans for new construction and major renovations.
Unauthorized removal of a street tree can result in fines of $500 to $5,000 per tree and requirements to plant replacement trees. Damage to street trees during construction can result in contractor liability for the appraised value of the tree. Repeat offenses may result in criminal charges.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia caps amplified music and other sound by decibels above background at the property boundary: 3 dB near hospitals/schools/houses of worship, 5 dB ...
Philadelphia, PA
On-street parking in Philadelphia is governed by Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code and enforced by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), with restriction...
Philadelphia, PA
No zoning permit is needed for a fence at or below the Zoning Code limits; exceeding them requires a permit and a ZBA appeal. A building permit is required f...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia generally prohibits keeping chickens, poultry, and livestock; farm animals (other than pigs) are allowed only on parcels of three or more acres,...
Philadelphia, PA
No Philadelphia-specific ordinance directly imposes wildland-style defensible-space or brush-clearance requirements; the dense urban setting means there is n...
Philadelphia, PA
True backyard ground fires (recreational fires and bonfires) are not freely allowed in Philadelphia. The Air Management Code Section 3-202 prohibits open fir...
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