Johnson County issues no tree-removal permit and cannot require one for trees in your yard. Permits exist only for the cities' public right-of-way trees, like those Iowa City's Forestry Division manages. HOA covenants may add private approval.
There is no county tree-removal permit anywhere in Johnson County, because Iowa grants no tree-protection authority over private yards and passes no statewide tree law. An owner in the unincorporated townships or in Solon, Tiffin, or Lone Tree clears private trees without applying to anyone. The permitting that exists is municipal and narrow: to plant or remove a tree in the City right-of-way, the strip between sidewalk and street, Iowa City requires approval from the Forestry Division and City Forester, and other Johnson County cities run comparable programs. Those reach only public trees, not your back-yard canopy. In subdivisions, HOA covenants can require architectural-committee sign-off before removing a mature tree.
None from the county for a tree in your own yard. Removing or planting an Iowa City right-of-way tree without Forestry approval violates city code. HOA breaches are enforced by the association.
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