Saint Paul Tree Permit Rules - City Bylaws

Land Use and Zoning Minnesota 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota residents must follow city bylaws and forestry rules when planting, pruning, or removing trees on public and private property. This guide summarizes when permits are required, who enforces tree rules, how to apply, typical enforcement steps, and how to report unsafe or diseased trees. For the controlling municipal code and ordinance language consult the City Code online City Code (Saint Paul)[1].

Contact the Forestry division early—permits or conditions can change the project scope.

Permits & When They Are Required

Saint Paul distinguishes between street trees (in parkway or public right-of-way) and trees on private property; work affecting public trees typically requires approval from the City Forestry division. Typical situations that trigger a permit requirement include removal of a public or heritage tree, major pruning affecting tree health, planting in the public parkway, or tree work during construction affecting root zones. For department-specific guidance and application instructions, see the City Forestry pages City Forestry[2].

Permits protect public trees and can limit timing and methods of removal.
  • Street-tree planting or removal often requires a permit from Forestry.
  • Construction that may damage roots can trigger permit and protection requirements.
  • Work on designated or heritage trees has additional restrictions.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the City of Saint Paul departments identified in the municipal code and by City Forestry for street and public-tree matters. Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts, and certain administrative penalties are not specified on the cited municipal pages and should be confirmed on the City Code or by contacting Forestry directly Report a tree problem[3] or the Code office City Code (Saint Paul)[1].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; see the City Code for exact fine schedules.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, required remediation or replacement planting, stop-work orders, and civil action are possible remedies under city authority.
  • Enforcer and inspection: City Forestry and the department listed in the municipal code perform inspections and enforce compliance. To report a hazardous or suspected illegal removal, use the Forestry report page.[3]
  • Appeals/review: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; consult the City Code or contact the enforcement office for deadlines.[1]
If trees are on the public parkway, assume a permit or approval is required before work.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes application instructions and forms via Forestry and the municipal permitting system. Exact form names, numbers, fees, filing addresses, and deadlines are not fully specified on the consolidated pages; applicants should consult the Forestry department pages and the City Code for current forms and fee schedules.[2][1]

  • Where to get forms: City Forestry web pages and the City permit center.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited pages; check Forestry or the City Code for current fee tables.
  • Deadlines and response times: not specified on the cited pages; expect review times and seasonal restrictions.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my private property?
It depends on location and tree designation; removals that affect public parkway trees or protected/heritage trees typically require approval from City Forestry or the permitting authority.
How do I report an illegal tree removal or a hazardous tree?
Report hazards or suspected illegal work to City Forestry using the city report page or contact the enforcement office.
Who pays for replacement planting when a public tree is removed?
Replacement or mitigation requirements are determined by the city and may require the responsible party to pay replacement costs or plant specified species.

How-To

  1. Determine whether the tree is on private property or the public parkway and check the City Code or Forestry guidance.
  2. Contact City Forestry early to confirm permit needs and any species or heritage status.
  3. Complete the required application form and attach site photos, a plan, and any contractor credentials.
  4. Pay the required fee (if listed) and submit by the method prescribed on the Forestry or permit center page.
  5. Schedule inspection if required and comply with any mitigation, replacement, or protection conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact City Forestry before work to avoid violations and delays.
  • Public parkway trees are managed by the city and generally need approval for removal.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Saint Paul Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of Saint Paul - Forestry (Public Works)
  3. [3] Report a tree problem - City of Saint Paul Forestry

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