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

Yes. Austin requires a city permit before removing at least some private trees. Austin requires a city permit before you remove or harm a protected tree, which is any tree 19 inches or more in diameter measured 4.5 feet above the ground. Heritage trees (24 inches or more, of listed species such as all oaks, pecan and cedar elm) have stronger protection, and removal is prohibited except as the city code allows. Even dead, diseased or hazardous regulated trees need an approved permit first. Our confidence: high. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Protected trees: any species with a trunk diameter of 19 inches or more, measured 4.5 feet above the ground; a permit is needed to remove or impact them. Heritage trees: 24 inches or more of listed species, including Texas ash, bald cypress, American elm, cedar elm, Texas madrone, bigtooth maple, all oaks, pecan, Arizona walnut and eastern black walnut; removal is prohibited except as provided in Section 25-8-641, and larger impacts need a variance (a public process applies to heritage trees 30 inches or more). On commercial and multifamily properties, trees 8 inches or more in diameter are regulated. For regulated trees, no more than 25% of the canopy may be removed without a permit.

The city says the property owner is responsible for tree removal or required maintenance unless the tree is on public property. For trees on public property, contact the city through 3-1-1.

No blanket exception. A regulated tree that is dead, diseased or an imminent hazard still needs an approved Tree Ordinance Review Application (TORA) before removal. The fee is waived for applications that pass the completeness check. Clear photos of the tree and the defect, plus a sketch of the work, are required.

Apply for a Tree Ordinance Review Application (TORA) through the City of Austin Development Services permitting process. Include clear photos of the whole tree from root to crown and a sketch of the proposed work. For questions, contact the City Arborist program or call 3-1-1.

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.

We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.