How to apply for a tree removal permit in McKinney, Texas

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from McKinney's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 4-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 6" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Protected tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Historic and heritage trees receive enhanced protection regardless of size. Heritage / landmark designation: Historic trees designated by the city and heritage-size trees (24+ inches DBH) of qualifying native species receive enhanced protection.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in McKinney: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist assessment.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree survey showing species, DBH, condition, canopy dripline, retention/removal status, mitigation plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Development Services. Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.mckinneytexas.org/1015/Tree-Protection.

    View the full McKinney ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Caliper-inch replacement on-site or Tree Mitigation Fund payment. Replacement required on-site to the extent feasible; in-lieu fees paid to Tree Mitigation Fund.

Where to file

Development Services

(972) 547-7400

Other Texas permit walkthroughs

See Texas replacement obligations compared — how McKinney's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See Texas heritage criteria compared — how McKinney's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your McKinney permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits McKinney's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment