Do you need a tree removal permit in Philadelphia, PA?

For some trees. Philadelphia requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation looks after street trees, and contractors need a tree work permit from its Street Tree Management office before working on them. On private land, the zoning code protects large Heritage trees on development sites over 5,000 sq. ft.; these may not be removed without a special exception approval. We did not find a city-wide permit for an ordinary homeowner removing a yard tree. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

According to the city Heritage Tree List (revised August 2013), Heritage trees under Section 14-705 of the Philadelphia Zoning Code, which applies to development on existing lots greater than 5,000 sq. ft. Heritage trees are listed species (for example red, sugar and silver maple, oaks, hickories, American beech, black walnut, tuliptree, sycamore, American elm) that are 24 inches or more diameter at breast height. Any American chestnut of any size counts as a Heritage tree. They may not be removed without a special exception approval. Site clearing (including cutting or removing trees) on lots over 5,000 sq. ft. needs a zoning permit; single-family, two-family and urban agriculture lots are excluded from that permit.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation prunes mature street trees and removes dead and hazardous street trees as needed; it does not remove living, healthy trees. Property owners may hire a certified arborist at their own expense, but contractors must get a tree work permit from the Parks & Recreation Street Tree Management office.

The city removes dead and hazardous street trees when needed. Report them with the Street Tree Maintenance Request form. The city does not work on private property.

Street tree work permit: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Street Tree Management office, (215) 685-4362 or (215) 685-4363, StreetTree.Info@phila.gov. Heritage tree removal on development sites: special exception approval through the zoning process. The list we read is from 2013, so call the city to confirm the current rule.

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.