Do you need a tree removal permit in Cleveland, OH?

For some trees. Cleveland requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. Cleveland requires a permit before anyone plants, prunes, removes, digs near or otherwise alters a public tree. On private property, the city's Urban Forestry division reviews tree removals tied to development, and larger projects need a Tree Preservation Plan. Short explanation, not legal advice. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Public trees and public planting areas. On private land, development-related tree removals are reviewed by Urban Forestry (the city cites Ordinance No. 1121-18) and trees must be replaced one-to-one. A Tree Preservation Plan is required for development projects on one acre or more, or for apartment, townhome or condo projects of four or more units.

A permit is required before planting, pruning, removing, excavating near or otherwise altering a public tree or public planting area. Approval is not guaranteed. Certain tree work on public property must be done by a licensed tree contractor, and public tree pruning must be done by ISA Certified Arborists to ANSI A300 standards. Contractors must carry workers' compensation and at least $1 million in professional liability insurance and show proof to Urban Forestry on request.

Fill out the Urban Forestry Tree Work Permit Application (a form on the city's Urban Forestry permits page; an online Accela process is being built). Help: Division of Urban Forestry, 216-664-3104, or call 311.

The city says damage to trees on public grounds is subject to restitution set by the Commissioner of Urban Forestry under its codified ordinances (Chapter 509, Trees). Chapter 510 covers work in the right-of-way, including remedies for harming public trees. The pages we read give no fine amounts.

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.