Norfolk's tree permit applies to city trees, not private yard trees. Under Chapter 45 the bureau of parks and forestry controls street and public trees, and a permit is required for any work near a city tree.
Norfolk does not run a general private-tree removal permit for healthy trees standing entirely on your own lot. The permit system, run by the Parks and Forestry office, applies when you work on or in close proximity to a city tree, including trees in the right-of-way strip between the curb and the walkway. Chapter 45 gives the bureau of parks and forestry management and control of all trees on streets and public grounds. Separately, clearing within a Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Area buffer along the water needs environmental review. Hazard trees on city property are handled by the bureau.
Working on or removing a city tree without a permit violates Chapter 45, exposing you to restitution for the tree's value and penalties set by the city. Contact treepermits@norfolk.gov before any work near a city tree.
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