Do you need a tree removal permit in Chattanooga, TN?

We found no city-wide permit rule for private trees in Chattanooga. Street trees, protected sites and county or HOA rules can still apply. The city says its tree ordinance, updated in April 2025, does not stop homeowners from removing trees on their own private property, including backyards. The rules mainly apply to new development and to trees on city property. The city says planting, removal, or pruning and root-zone work on a tree on city property needs a Tree Ordinance Permit. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Public trees (trees on city property) are protected: the city says the ordinance prohibits removing or disturbing any public tree without a permit. New developments that clear land must retain or plant trees, or pay into the city's Tree Bank.

Trees on city property, including public rights-of-way, need a permit for planting, removal, pruning or any disturbance above or below ground within the tree's critical root zone. Requests for tree removal or trimming of city trees go through the city's 311 system.

Urban Forestry staff run the Tree Ordinance Permit together with the Land Development Office, usually alongside a Complex Land Disturbing Permit. The Urban Forestry permitting page links to a Tree Ordinance Permit page. Call Public Works at (423) 643-6311 or email urbanforestry@chattanooga.gov.

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.

Yes, they can. County rules, state rules for things like wetlands or protected species, and utility rules near power lines can apply on top of city rules. If your property is outside city limits, the county rules usually apply instead. Ask the city or county office.