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Plymouth · Building on your lot

Tree removal in Plymouth

Plymouth's own rules on tree removal, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Plymouth Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Plymouth's code says

Plymouth code What Plymouth's code adds
Exemptions
  • No tree removal permit is required.
    Applies: Heritage or protected tree found dangerous to life or property in an emergency by a listed official, such as the City Manager or Fire Chief.
    § 8.20.030 · code text
    no tree removal permit shall be required for the removal of a heritage tree or protected tree determined to be hazardous or dangerous to life or property in emergency situations as determined by any of the following:
  • No tree removal permit is required.
    Applies: Removing or moving trees to keep adequate traffic line-of-sight, as the City Manager, designee or City Engineer requires.
    § 8.20.030 · code text
    no tree removal permit shall be required for the removal or relocation of trees necessary to maintain adequate traffic line-of-sight distances as required by the City Manager, designee, or the City Engineer.
  • No habitat analysis is needed.
    Applies: Tree removal permit on undeveloped property, for trees that are hazardous or carry pests or disease that threaten other trees.
    § 8.20.060 · code text
    This section does not apply to trees which constitute a hazard to life and property or harbor insect(s), fungi, or disease(s) which constitute a threat to other trees within the City.
Penalty
  • Fine up to $750 for a first violation, $850 for a second within 1 year, $1,000 for each more.
    Applies: Each heritage or protected tree removed without a permit. Further violations within 1 year. Replacement trees are also required.
    § 8.20.030 · code text
    a fine not exceeding $750 for a first violation
Permit to remove
  • Yes. A tree removal permit is required.
    Applies: Applies to removing or significantly pruning a heritage or protected tree on private or public property.
    § 8.20.030 · code text
    It is unlawful for any person to remove, cause to be removed, or significantly prune any heritage or protected tree from any private or public property without obtaining a tree removal permit from the City Manager or designee.
Replacement trees
  • Replacement trees are required for each tree removed.
    Applies: Applies to each tree removed without a permit, in addition to the fines.
    § 8.20.030 · code text
    In addition to administrative fines, replacement trees are required for each tree removed as specified in Section 8.20.305.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Plymouth?

Plymouth's code: Yes. A tree removal permit is required. (Applies to removing or significantly pruning a heritage or protected tree on private or public property.) (§ 8.20.030); Replacement trees are required for each tree removed. (Applies to each tree removed without a permit, in addition to the fines.) (§ 8.20.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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Plymouth Municipal Code — full text