City of Durham — Tree Removal Application

Application # (office use)

Applicant & Property Information

Property owner name

Site address

Owner certification I certify that I am the owner of the property from which tree removal is proposed. (Only the owner may apply. If the tree trunk straddles property lines, all affected owners must join the application.)

If the trunk straddles property lines, list all joined owners (names + property addresses)

Phone

Email (for status updates)

Preferred contact

Applicant name (if different)

Mailing address (if different from site)

Tree Information

Tree species (if known)

DBH (inches) — required if 6" or larger

DBH = diameter at breast height (~4.5 feet above ground).

Number of trees

This application is for one tree.

Permit classification (select one)

Hazard Tree Removal Permit — City Arborist determines the tree is a hazard tree (high or extreme risk per ISA qualitative tree risk assessment). Dead or Declining Tree Removal Permit — City Arborist determines the tree is dead or in progressive and irreversible decline. Property Damage Tree Removal Permit — Tree is causing, or is reasonably likely to cause, material damage to an existing structure or utility service; the structure/utility cannot reasonably be moved; and damage cannot reasonably be prevented (e.g., root pruning/root barrier), as determined by the City and City Arborist. One Tree Per Year Removal Permit — Once per year per physical address, removal of one tree between 6" and 10" DBH. Emergency Tree Removal Permit — Condition presents immediate danger to persons or property (e.g., uprooting/progressive lean; cracks at main branch unions; leaning on a structure or another tree; or imminent collapse). Removal of Trees Pursuant to Issued Building Permits — Trees that must be removed to execute an issued building permit, subject to preservation/dispersal and canopy requirements.

Expected review timeline (from complete application)

Select a permit classification to see the applicable timeline.

Emergency note: If you determine a tree presents an immediate danger, you may remove it before permit issuance only if you apply for an emergency permit within 5 business days after removal. If the City determines it does not qualify as an emergency, the removal is a violation.

Arborist report (upload)

Accepted: PDF/JPG/PNG.

Photos or video of the tree (required)

Additional information / narrative (required for some types)

Proposed replacement tree species (if required)

Use the City-approved tree list (requirements may be updated by the new ordinance).

Proposed replacement size

Site sketch / site plan (upload)

Upload a site plan or sketch and clearly mark the tree proposed for removal (include house, street, driveway, and other significant features).

Acknowledgements & Signature

Required: I understand cutting down a tree larger than 6 inches DBH without a valid permit is a violation and may be subject to fines.

Required: I grant City staff and officials access to the property to observe and evaluate this application.

Required: I affirm that all information submitted with this application is complete, accurate, and true.

I understand I must comply with all permit conditions, including mitigation and deadlines, and I will notify City Hall when the tree has been removed.

Typed name (acts as signature)

Optional enhancement: add an e-signature pad or identity verification (e.g., emailed confirmation link).

Date

Submission action is a placeholder — connect to your website backend or email workflow.

Backend options: (1) send to an email inbox using a server endpoint, (2) store in a database (e.g., SharePoint list), (3) create a PDF and route to permit tracking. This form reflects Ordinance 273-26 / Chapter 162 for non-development tree removal. Connect submission to your website backend or email workflow.

Tree Removal Application one tree per application

Applicant & Property Information

Tree Information

Issued Building Permit Information (Required if selected above)

Acknowledgements & Signature