Providence regulates public/street tree removal through the City Forester and Parks Department under Code Ch. 23. Private-property tree removal on residential lots is generally unregulated in Providence County municipalities, but historic districts, CRMC coastal zones, and development projects trigger permit requirements.
Rhode Island has no statewide private-tree protection ordinance. Most Providence County municipalities do not require a permit to remove trees on private residential property, reflecting the state's strong tradition of private property rights. However, significant restrictions apply: (1) Street trees and any tree in the public right-of-way or on city parkland are protected — Providence City Forester (Code Ch. 23) must approve removal, and Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, and other towns have similar tree warden programs authorized by RIGL §2-14 (Shade Tree statutes); (2) Historic districts (Benefit Street, College Hill, Armory Providence; Quality Hill Pawtucket) may require Historic District Commission review for trees contributing to streetscape; (3) CRMC jurisdiction (within 200 ft of Narragansett Bay tidal waters) requires CRMC approval for tree/vegetation removal; (4) Subdivision and major development projects trigger tree inventory and replacement requirements through planning board review. Unauthorized removal of street trees is a serious violation.
Unauthorized street tree removal: $500-$5,000 per tree plus replacement at city value (can exceed $10,000 for mature trees). CRMC vegetation violation within 200 ft of tidal water: $1,000+ plus restoration order. Historic district tree violation: HDC fine plus replanting.
Cranston, RI
Cranston regulates construction noise under Chapter 8.20. Construction activities must comply with the 55 dBA residential limit when measured at the property...
Cranston, RI
Cranston Title 6 (Animals) and noise ordinance Ch. 8.20 address animal noise. Habitual barking or howling constitutes a noise disturbance subject to the diso...
Cranston, RI
Cranston Code Title 8, Chapter 8.20 sets residential noise limits at 55 dBA between 7 AM and 10 PM measured at the property line. Amplified sound equipment m...
Cranston, RI
Cranston regulates amplified music and events. Permits required for public amplification. Residential areas must comply with local noise ordinances.
Cranston, RI
Cranston requires Residential Parking Permits for overnight street parking, limited to two permits per address. Only RI-registered vehicles qualify. All outs...
Cranston, RI
Cranston regulates RV and recreational vehicle storage through zoning (Title 17) and parking ordinances (Title 10). Extended on-street storage is restricted....
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Providence County.
See how Cranston's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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