Do you need a tree removal permit in Arlington, TX?

For some trees. Arlington requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. Arlington's tree rules are in Section 5.2.3 of its Unified Development Code. The city's tree removal permit form says trees 6 inches or more in diameter (measured 4.5 feet above the ground) need a tree removal permit, and removed trees must be replaced or paid for. The form is dated 2014, and it is not clear from it whether every occupied home lot is covered, so call Planning and Development Services before removing a large tree. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

The city treats any tree not on its Prohibited Species List as a "Protected Tree" under UDC Section 5.2.3. Its permit form says trees 6 inches or more in diameter, measured 4.5 feet above grade, need a permit to be removed or harmed. Prohibited species include Callery pear, cottonwood, chinaberry, mulberry, silver maple, hackberry, Arizona ash, Chinese tallow, mimosa, Siberian elm, tree of heaven and honey locust.

Trees on city property and in the public right-of-way must go through the Parks and Recreation Department (817-459-5474).

The city's form says removing diseased, dying or dead trees, or trees on the prohibited list, does not need a tree removal permit, but you must notify the Zoning Administrator.

When no building permit is involved, submit the Tree Removal Permit Application with a site plan to the One Start Development Center, 2nd Floor City Hall, 101 W Abram St (817-459-6502). The form lists a fee of $10 per tree (minimum $30, maximum $150). Replacement is 1 inch for 1 inch, or $100 per inch paid to the Reforestation Fund. If you are getting a building permit, replacement is set during landscape plan review.

The city's 2014 permit form says a violation may be up to $2,000 per offense, and each day it continues can count as a separate offense. Check the current amount with the city.

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.