San Antonio Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide
Bexar County, Texas
Protected Tree Definition
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater. Heritage trees include oaks, elms, pecans, and cypress meeting higher diameter thresholds.
Protected Species
Heritage / Landmark Trees
Heritage tree: 24+ inches DBH for eligible native species (oaks, pecan, cedar elm, bald cypress).
Permit Requirements
Tree preservation plan required during platting and building permit applications.
Replacement Requirements
Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation
On-site replacement preferred; Tree Mitigation Fund accepts in-lieu payments.
Fees & Fines
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Required Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist
Municipal Code
San Antonio Unified Development Code Chapter 35-523 (Tree Preservation)
View full ordinanceContact
Development Services Department - Historic Preservation & Tree Program
(210) 207-1111
Other Texas cities
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Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with San Antonio before submitting permits or reports.
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See Texas heritage criteria compared: How San Antonio's heritage designation ranks in Texas →
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