The DC Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act (DC Law 21-259) requires a permit to remove any Special Tree (44-100 inch circumference) and prohibits removal of Heritage Trees over 100 inches except for hazard. Fees and replacement are required.
DC has one of the strictest urban tree protection regimes in the country. Under the Urban Forest Preservation Act and the Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act of 2016 (DC Law 21-259), trees are classified as Special Trees (44 to 99.9 inches in circumference measured at 4.5 feet) or Heritage Trees (100 inches or more). Special Tree removal requires a permit from the Urban Forestry Division and payment of a fee of $55 per inch of circumference plus replacement planting. Heritage Trees cannot be removed except for certified hazard, and unauthorized removal triggers fines of $300 per inch of circumference. Street trees are fully owned by DDOT Urban Forestry. This rule applies to private property as well. Historic districts add HPRB review. Permits are obtained through the Casey Trees or DDOT application portals.
Unauthorized removal fines up to $300 per inch of circumference; criminal referral for willful violations.
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See how Washington's tree ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
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