Tree Removal permit in Houston, TX
We couldn't confirm this from Houston's code.
Rather than guess, here is the exact section to read and who to call. A rule appears on this site only when the ordinance states it plainly.
Read Sec. 33-152, with the notice and replacement rule in Sec. 33-160 and fees in Sec. 33-105
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | — | Depends | For the trees this article covers, you must file a writte… |
| League City | 26 mi | Depends | You need a tree disposition permit to remove a protected … |
| Chattanooga | 694 mi | No | The Chattanooga Tree Ordinance does not apply to a parcel… |
| Clearwater | 773 mi | Yes | Removing a tree from private property needs a tree remova… |
| Largo | 774 mi | Depends | Over 10 in across |
| St. Petersburg | 784 mi | Depends | removal of a protected tree or palm |
Other work in Houston
Questions people ask
My tree removal is right at the limit. Does that count?
The exemption has to fit exactly — if the code says a size or height, being at or under it keeps you exempt, and going a single inch over doesn't. When you're close to the line, measure before you buy materials, and call the department if the number is borderline.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Houston can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.