NYC Admin Code §18-129 prohibits damaging or removing any street tree without a NYC Parks permit. Fines for unauthorized removal start at $5,000 and can reach $15,000+ based on tree size.
Under NYC Administrative Code §18-129, it is illegal to remove, damage, or prune any street tree or park tree without a permit from the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. Street trees — those in the public right-of-way — are city property even when adjacent to private homes. Property owners must request a Tree Work Permit through NYC Parks Forestry, which reviews health, safety, and construction conflicts. Dead or hazardous trees are removed by NYC Parks at no cost after inspection. Private property trees are generally not regulated by the city — owners may remove trees on their own lots without a permit unless the tree is within a landmark district, natural area, or part of a construction project requiring tree protection plans. New construction must include tree protection zones and sidewalk tree preservation per Parks standards. Contractors working near street trees must file a Work Near Trees permit.
Damaging/removing a street tree without permit: $5,000 fine for trees under 4 in diameter, up to $15,000+ for larger trees, plus replacement cost. Criminal charges possible under §18-146.
Kings County, NY
NYC strictly regulates commercial vehicle parking. Commercial vehicles may park at meters for up to 3 hours and are banned from residential areas overnight (...
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn pools must be enclosed by a self-closing, self-latching barrier at least 4 feet high per NYC Building Code and Health Code §165.57.
Kings County, NY
Feeding pigeons, squirrels, raccoons, or other wildlife that creates unsanitary conditions is prohibited in Brooklyn under NYC Health Code §153.09.
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn residents may keep backyard hens, but roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigs, goats, and sheep are prohibited under NYC Health Code §161.01.
Kings County, NY
NYC Health Code §161.01 prohibits most wild, exotic, and farm animals. Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, pot-bellied pigs, venomous snakes, large reptiles, ...
Kings County, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City under New York Penal Law §270.00. This includes sparklers longer than 10 inches, firecrackers, Roman cand...
See how Kings County's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.