Do you need a tree removal permit in Boise, ID?

For some trees. Boise requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. Boise's Community Forestry team manages trees on the public right-of-way, and the city's Public Trees page links to the Boise Tree Ordinance. If your home is in a historic district, removing a tree is listed as a project that can need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the city. We did not find a city-wide permit for other private trees, so call the city before you remove a large tree. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Trees at homes in a historic district: the city lists removing a tree as a project that can need a Certificate of Appropriateness (the list is not exhaustive). Whether staff or the Historic Preservation Commission reviews it depends on the district, the home and the scope of work (see the city's Decision Matrix).

Trees on the public right-of-way are managed by the city, and residents may plant trees on the right-of-way next to their property. Call Community Forestry with questions about planting, pruning or removal there.

The city says it removes dead, diseased or hazardous trees on public rights-of-way at no cost to the adjacent homeowner. Community Forestry says it is ready to respond 24/7 to tree-related emergencies. For private trees, the owner must haul away debris.

Historic districts: apply to Boise Planning for a Certificate of Appropriateness; staff have 15 days for administrative applications, and decisions have a 10-day appeal period. Planning: (208) 608-7100. Public trees: Boise Community Forestry, (208) 608-7700; residents can request a tree inspection.

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.