Lewisville Special Use and Tree Removal Permits

Land Use and Zoning Texas 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Lewisville, Texas, property owners and developers must follow city rules when applying for special use permits or when removing regulated trees. This guide explains who enforces the rules, what applications and evidence you need, how to submit forms, and the typical compliance steps. It summarizes current municipal procedures and points to official Lewisville resources so you can begin an application, understand likely inspections, and learn appeal options.

Overview of Special Use and Tree Removal Permits

Special use permits (also called conditional or special exceptions in some codes) and tree removal permits are processed through the city Development Services department. Applications usually require site plans, a description of the proposed use or removal, mitigation or replacement plans for trees, and payment of permit fees. Contact Development Services for filing instructions and appointment requirements. Development Services[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The city enforces tree and zoning rules through Development Services and Code Enforcement personnel. Specific fines, escalation, and non-monetary sanctions are set in the city code or administrative rules; where a numeric penalty or schedule is not published on a cited page this text notes that it is "not specified on the cited page." Enforcement actions can include stop-work orders, orders to replace or mitigate removed trees, administrative citations, and referral to municipal court.

  • Fines: dollar amounts not specified on the cited page; see city code for explicit schedules and per-tree calculations.[3]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are addressed by administrative fines or court action; specific ranges not specified on the cited page.[3]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, restoration or replacement orders, permit revocation, and municipal-court proceedings are possible.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Development Services and Code Enforcement handle inspections and complaints; file a complaint or request an inspection via the city Development Services portal. Permits & Licenses[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeals typically proceed to the Board of Adjustment or as specified in the municipal code; time limits and exact appeal periods are not specified on the cited page.[3]
If numeric fines or exact appeal deadlines are required, request the applicable code section from Development Services.

Applications & Forms

  • Special Use Permit application: name and form number not specified on the cited page; submit via Development Services permitting process.[1]
  • Tree Removal Permit application: specific form and fee schedule not specified on the cited page; tree plans and mitigation are generally required.
  • Fees: permit fees vary by permit type; fee amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Deadlines: submission deadlines and public-notice timelines depend on review cycles and public hearing schedules; check with Development Services for current calendars.[1]
Ask Development Services for the exact application packet and current fee schedule before you begin work.

How to Prepare a Complete Application

  • Site plan: show tree locations, sizes, and proposed changes.
  • Mitigation plan: details for replacement trees or landscape credits.
  • Supporting documents: ownership proof, contractor info, and any engineering reports.
  • Contact: schedule pre-application review with Development Services to confirm requirements. Development Services[1]

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to remove a tree in Lewisville?
It depends on the tree size, location, and whether the tree is on protected lists; specific thresholds are not specified on the cited page—consult the municipal code and Development Services.[3]
How long does a special use permit take?
Processing times depend on completeness, public notice, and review cycles; a specific timeline is not specified on the cited page—contact Development Services for an estimate.[1]
What happens if I remove a protected tree without permission?
Potential outcomes include stop-work orders, restoration orders, fines, and municipal court referral; exact penalties are not specified on the cited page.[3]

How-To

  1. Confirm permit requirements with Development Services and request any pre-application guidance.
  2. Prepare site plans, tree surveys, and mitigation proposals required for the application.
  3. Complete and submit the Special Use or Tree Removal Permit application with applicable fees to the city permit center.[2]
  4. Respond to review comments, schedule inspections, and provide additional documentation as requested.
  5. If a public hearing is required, attend the hearing and provide supporting testimony or materials.
  6. If denied or cited, follow appeal instructions in the decision notice or contact the Board of Adjustment as specified in the municipal code.[3]
Keep photographic records and dated correspondence to support any future appeal or mitigation claim.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check with Development Services before removing trees or changing a zoning use.
  • Permit packets and public-notice timelines vary—start early.
  • Unpermitted work can lead to orders, fines, and required restoration.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Lewisville Development Services department page
  2. [2] City of Lewisville Permits & Licenses (permit submission and contact)
  3. [3] Lewisville Code of Ordinances (municipal code and enforcement provisions)

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