How to apply for a tree removal permit in San Antonio, Texas

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

Expected processing time: 4-8 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. Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater. Heritage trees include oaks, elms, pecans, and cypress meeting higher diameter thresholds. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage tree: 24+ inches DBH for eligible native species (oaks, pecan, cedar elm, bald cypress).

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Permit applicants are typically the property owner or an authorized agent — confirm directly with San Antonio before filing.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Prepare a tree assessment report covering tree species, condition, defects, and proposed action. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Development Services Department - Historic Preservation & Tree Program. Typical processing time: 4-8 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio/codes/unified_development_code.

    View the full San Antonio ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation. On-site replacement preferred; Tree Mitigation Fund accepts in-lieu payments.

Where to file

Development Services Department - Historic Preservation & Tree Program

(210) 207-1111

Other Texas permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your San Antonio permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment