Austin Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Travis County, Texas

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

19.0" DBH minimum for protection

Protected-size tree: any tree 19 inches or greater in diameter at 4.5 feet above grade. Heritage Tree: 24 inches or greater diameter for certain species (pecan, Texas ash, bald cypress, American elm, Texas madrone, bigtooth maple, all oaks, Arizona walnut, Eastern black walnut).

Protected Species

All oaks (Quercus) pecan Texas ash bald cypress American elm Texas madrone bigtooth maple Arizona walnut Eastern black walnut

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage Tree: 24 inches or greater DBH of eligible species (oaks, pecan, Texas ash, bald cypress, American elm, Texas madrone, bigtooth maple, walnuts).

Permit Requirements

Tree Ordinance Review required for removal of protected or heritage trees. Development Services review. Removal of Heritage Tree prohibited except for dead, diseased, or imminent hazard.

Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent with arborist assessment

Required Report Sections

Tree survey with species, DBH, condition, justification, site plan, mitigation plan

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch mitigation based on diameter removed

Mitigation required at inch-for-inch replacement or payment to Urban Forest Replenishment Fund.

Fees & Fines

Permit fee
$347.00

Tree review fees vary by application type. Urban Forest Replenishment Fund accepts in-lieu fees.

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Austin City Code Chapter 25-8 Subchapter B (Environmental Regulations)

View full ordinance

Contact

Development Services Department - City Arborist Program

(512) 974-1876

cityarborist@austintexas.gov

Other Texas cities

Beaumont College Station El Paso Fort Worth Houston Irving Mesquite Waco
See all Texas cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Austin before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Austin →

See Texas permit fees compared: How Austin's $347.00 fee ranks in Texas →

See Texas replacement obligations compared: How Austin's replacement ratio ranks in Texas →

See Texas heritage criteria compared: How Austin's heritage designation ranks in Texas →

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