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Compliance Guide

Texas Land Clearing Permits Guide

Do you need a permit to clear land in Texas? Get the definitive answer plus city-by-city requirements for Dallas-Fort Worth.

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Do You Need a Permit to Clear Land in Texas?

In most rural and unincorporated Texas areas, no permit is required to clear your own land. However, within city limits, you typically need a permit to remove trees over 6-8 inches in diameter.

✓ No Permit Usually Needed:

  • • Rural/unincorporated areas
  • • Brush under 6" diameter
  • • Agricultural land
  • • Private land outside city limits

⚠️ Permit Likely Required:

  • • Within city limits
  • • Trees 6"+ diameter
  • • Protected tree species
  • • Heritage/historic trees

Dallas-Fort Worth City Permit Requirements

Each DFW city has different tree protection ordinances. Here's what you need to know:

CityProtected TreesPermit CostPenalty
Dallas6"+ diameter$25-$75Up to $500/tree/day
Fort Worth8"+ (residential), 6"+ (commercial)$50-$100Up to $2,000/tree
Arlington6"+ diameter$50Up to $1,000/tree
Plano8"+ diameter$75Up to $500/tree
Frisco6"+ diameter$50-$100Up to $500/tree
McKinney8"+ diameter$50Up to $500/tree
Denton8"+ diameter$35-$75Up to $500/tree
WeatherfordLimited protectionN/AVaries

💡 Pro Tip: Always call your city's planning or development services department before starting any land clearing project. Requirements change, and a quick phone call can save you thousands in fines.

Detailed City-by-City Requirements

📍Dallas Tree Removal Permits

Protected Trees:

  • • Any tree 6"+ trunk diameter (measured at 4.5' height)
  • • Heritage trees: 24"+ diameter
  • • Protected species: All native oaks, elms, pecans

Permit Process:

  • • Cost: $25-$75
  • • Processing: 5-10 business days
  • • Apply online or at City Hall
  • • Site inspection may be required

Penalty: Up to $500 per tree per day of violation. Repeat violations can result in criminal charges.

📍Fort Worth Tree Removal Permits

Protected Trees:

  • • Residential: 8"+ diameter
  • • Commercial: 6"+ diameter
  • • Heritage trees specially protected

Replacement Requirement:

  • • 2:1 replacement ratio
  • • Or pay into tree mitigation fund
  • • Heritage trees: case-by-case review

Penalty: Up to $2,000 per tree plus required replacement plantings.

✓Rural & Unincorporated Areas

Good news: If your property is in an unincorporated area (outside city limits), you generally do NOT need a permit to clear your own land.

No Permit Typically Required For:

  • ✓ Clearing brush and trees on your own property
  • ✓ Agricultural land clearing
  • ✓ Ranch/farm property improvements
  • ✓ Fire prevention clearing around structures

Exception: If your property is in a floodplain, near wetlands, or has endangered species habitat, federal regulations may apply regardless of city limits.

How to Check if You Need a Permit

  1. 1

    Determine Your Jurisdiction

    Are you inside city limits? Check your property tax statement or call your county appraisal district. If you're in an unincorporated area, you likely don't need a permit.

  2. 2

    Measure Your Trees

    Measure trunk diameter at 4.5 feet from ground level (DBH - Diameter at Breast Height). If any trees exceed your city's protected size, you'll need a permit.

  3. 3

    Contact Your City's Planning Department

    Call or visit your city's Development Services or Planning department. They can confirm requirements and explain the permit process.

  4. 4

    Apply for Permit (If Needed)

    Submit your application with a site plan showing trees to be removed. Most cities process permits in 5-15 business days.

What Happens If You Clear Without a Permit?

⚠️ Consequences of Non-Compliance

Financial Penalties:

  • • Dallas: Up to $500/tree/day
  • • Fort Worth: Up to $2,000/tree
  • • Most cities: $500-$1,000/tree minimum
  • • Required replacement trees (2-3x removed)
  • • Court costs and legal fees

Other Consequences:

  • • Stop work orders on all construction
  • • Building permit delays/denials
  • • Liens placed on property
  • • Criminal charges (repeat offenders)
  • • Neighbor complaints and lawsuits

Real Example: A Dallas homeowner was fined $15,000+ for removing two heritage oak trees without a permit. The fine included replacement costs, penalties, and tree mitigation fund contributions.

Protected Tree Species in Texas

While specific protections vary by city, these tree species commonly receive protection in Texas cities:

Live Oak

Highly Protected

Post Oak

Protected

Bur Oak

Protected

Red Oak

Protected

Cedar Elm

Protected

American Elm

Protected

Pecan (State Tree)

Highly Protected

Texas Ash

Protected

Bald Cypress

Protected

Trees NOT Usually Protected:

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniper), Mesquite, Hackberry (small specimens), Bradford Pear, and most ornamental species are typically NOT protected and can be removed without permits in most Texas cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to clear land in Texas?

In most rural and unincorporated areas of Texas, no permit is required to clear your own land. However, within city limits (Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, etc.), you typically need a permit to remove trees over 6-8 inches in diameter. Always check with your local city planning department before clearing.

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

Yes, Dallas requires a permit to remove any protected tree (6 inches or greater trunk diameter measured at 4.5 feet from ground). Heritage trees (24+ inches) have additional protections and may require replacement trees. Permits cost $25-$75 and take 5-10 business days to process.

What trees are protected in Texas?

Protected tree species vary by city. Common protected species include Live Oak, Post Oak, Bur Oak, Red Oak, Cedar Elm, American Elm, Pecan, and Texas Ash. Most cities protect any tree over a certain diameter (typically 6-8 inches), regardless of species.

How much is a tree removal permit in Texas?

Tree removal permit costs in Texas range from $25-$200 depending on the city and number of trees. Dallas charges $25-$75, Fort Worth charges $50-$100, and some cities include additional fees for heritage tree removal or if replacement trees are required.

What happens if I remove a tree without a permit in Texas?

Penalties for removing protected trees without a permit vary by city but can be severe: Dallas fines up to $500 per tree per day of violation, Fort Worth fines up to $2,000 per tree, and some cities require replacement trees (2-3 per removed tree) plus fines. Criminal charges are possible for repeated violations.

Do I need a permit to clear brush in Texas?

Generally, no permit is needed to clear brush (vegetation under 6 inches diameter) in Texas, including within city limits. However, if the brush clearing will disturb a large area, some cities require grading or land disturbance permits. Check local requirements if clearing more than 1 acre.

Not Sure About Permit Requirements?

We handle permits for our clients and can advise on your specific situation. Get a free consultation.

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