Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my private property?

It depends on location and species; removals affecting city easements, public right-of-way, or protected trees typically require a permit.

How long does permit review take?

Review times vary by application complexity; check the Urban Forestry permit page for current processing expectations.

What if someone removes a city tree without permission?

Report the incident to Urban Forestry or Code Administration; the city may order replacement and pursue enforcement.

Lincoln Tree Removal Permits & Urban Forestry Rules

Land Use and Zoning Nebraska 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026

In Lincoln, Nebraska, tree removal and urban forestry are governed by municipal rules and managed by city divisions responsible for public and street trees. This guide explains when permits are required, who enforces the rules, how to apply, common violations, and appeal paths for property owners and contractors. Refer to the city code for binding ordinance language and the Urban Forestry division for permit processes and technical standards.^[1]

Overview of Rules and When a Permit Is Required

Permits commonly apply to removal of street trees, heritage or protected trees, and certain removals in public right-of-way or conservation overlays. Private yard trees may also require review if they affect easements or city-owned property. Contact the Urban Forestry division to confirm whether a specific removal needs approval.^[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of Lincoln through its Urban Forestry and Code Administration functions. Where the municipal code sets penalties, they apply to unauthorized removal, failure to obtain permits, or noncompliance with mitigation requirements.

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page. ^[1]
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: removal/replanting orders, stop-work orders, and civil actions are listed as enforcement tools where applicable.
Enforcer: Urban Forestry division and Code Administration; inspections are arranged by the city after complaints or permit applications.^[2]
Appeal/review: appeals typically follow municipal code procedures through the city hearing or administrative review process; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Defences/discretion: permits, variances, and documented hazardous-tree determinations are common legal defences or bases for discretionary relief.

Documented hazardous conditions often speed approval for removal of dangerous trees.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes a Tree Removal Permit application and guidance via Urban Forestry. Where fees and submission instructions are specified, they appear on the official permit page; if no fee is listed there, the fee is not specified on the cited page.

Name: Tree Removal Permit (official application available from Urban Forestry).
Fee: not specified on the cited page.
Submission: follow the Urban Forestry instructions for online or in-person filing.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

Removing a street tree without a permit — enforcement action and required replacement or penalty.
Failure to obtain a permit for trees within a protected overlay — stop-work order and review.
Improper pruning of public trees — citation and required corrective work.

Always check Urban Forestry guidance before starting tree work on or near the right-of-way.

Action Steps

Confirm whether the tree is on private property, city right-of-way, or easement.
Contact Urban Forestry for site guidance and permit needs.^[2]
Submit the Tree Removal Permit with required attachments and await inspection.
If approved, pay any listed fees and follow mitigation or replacement requirements.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my private property?: It depends on location and species; removals affecting city easements, public right-of-way, or protected trees typically require a permit.
How long does permit review take?: Review times vary by application complexity; check the Urban Forestry permit page for current processing expectations.
What if someone removes a city tree without permission?: Report the incident to Urban Forestry or Code Administration; the city may order replacement and pursue enforcement.

How-To

Identify the tree location and ownership (private lot, easement, or city right-of-way).
Contact Urban Forestry for guidance and preliminary determination.
Complete the Tree Removal Permit application and attach photos/site plan.
Submit application and await inspection scheduling.
If approved, comply with replacement or mitigation and pay any applicable fees.
If denied, follow the code-specified appeal steps or request administrative review.

Key Takeaways

Contact Urban Forestry early to confirm permit needs.
Unauthorized removal can trigger replacement orders or enforcement.