Fort Smith, AR Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Fort Smith's tree-removal-permit framework is one of the more permissive in larger Arkansas cities. Unlike many heritage-tree cities that require permits for any tree above a threshold diameter, Fort Smith does not impose a general permit requirement on private-property tree removal. Routine removal of dead, diseased, hazardous, or even healthy trees on private residential lots is generally allowed without a City permit. The City does compel removal where conditions deteriorate: Chapter 16 (Nuisances), accessible at https://library.municode.com/ar/fort_smith, authorizes the City Administrator or designated representative to order any owner or occupant to remove dead or dying trees and dead limbs from the property and from adjoining alleys, utility easements, drainage easements, and rights-of-way, with abatement and lien authority under A.C.A. §14-54-901 et seq. For trees within the City right-of-way and drainage easements, the Fort Smith Streets Department holds removal jurisdiction and acts on resident or contractor requests through the City's Request Service portal at https://www.fortsmithar.gov/resident-services/request-service. For commercial, industrial, multifamily, or subdivision development projects, the Fort Smith Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 27) and Planning Commission review may impose tree-inventory, tree-protection-fencing, and replacement-planting requirements as conditions of site-plan or subdivision approval. Land disturbance over one acre triggers Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment - Division of Environmental Quality NPDES construction stormwater permitting under Arkansas Pollution Control & Ecology Commission Regulation 6.