Tree Removal Permits

Trees have always been a prominent part of Durham. In 1997, the city issued its only bond measure to purchase the Kingsgate Woods green space to prevent an office park from being built. The City has a strong Tree Ordinance, which requires permits for the removal of all trees greater than 5 inches in diameter as measured 4 feet above ground.

• MUNICIPAL TREE CODE
• Municipal Tree Protection Ordinance 273-26
• How to Apply & Select the Correct Permit Type (Municipal Code)
• FAQs for Municipal Tree Removals

• DEVELOPMENT TREE CODE
• Tree Protection Section (Chapters 5 & 10) in Land Use Code Ordinance 272-25
• FAQs for Development-related Tree Removals
• Tree Preservation Plan
• Notice to applicant when presenting as Type 2 Process to Planning Commission

• FEES APPLICATION & RESOURCES
• For tree permit fees please see the Master Fee Schedule
• Tree Removal Application Form please print or email complete forms to: [email protected]
• List of Approved Mitigation Trees
• Tree Planting Considerations

• Pictures of Invasive Trees (from Lake Oswego)
• Website to Locate Certified Arborists

In July 2024, City Council unanimously passed Resolution 667-24, titled, A RESOLUTION OF THE DURHAM CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISHING A TREE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE CITY’S TREE ORDINANCE AND RECOMMEND ORDINANCE CHANGES.

Three Planning Commissioners and four members of the public made up the Tree Committee, which met eleven times between July and October 2024. The Tree Committee drafted the following recommendations:

• Tree Committee Recommendations