Do you need a tree removal permit in Richmond, VA?

We found no city-wide permit rule for private trees in Richmond. Street trees, protected sites and county or HOA rules can still apply. Richmond's Urban Forestry Division issues permits to prune or remove city trees, and residents may apply to remove city trees at their own expense. The city pages we read cover city trees only; we did not find a city-wide permit rule for trees on private land. Call the city if you are unsure. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Permits to maintain or remove city trees are issued by the Urban Forestry Division, in certain cases free of charge. Every removal and pruning application is reviewed by a City Arborist and approved or denied, with a reason given if denied. Removing a healthy city tree needs the department director's approval through a "Variance to the Municipal Tree Policy", and remediation may be required.

The city removes city trees that are dead, mostly dying, badly diseased, or structurally defective and a public safety concern, after inspection by a Certified Arborist.

Apply online through the Urban Forestry page (Department of Public Works). Ask for a tree inspection through RVA311 (rva311.com, the RVA311 app, or call 3-1-1) or call Urban Forestry at 804-646-0681.

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.