McAllen Tree Removal and Planting Ordinances

Land Use and Zoning Texas 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Texas

In McAllen, Texas, tree removal and planting in urban areas are governed by municipal rules enforced to protect public rights-of-way, street trees and trees affected by development. This guide explains where to find the official rules, when a permit is typically required, practical steps to apply or appeal, and enforcement pathways for residents and contractors.

Where to find the rules

The primary legal text is the City of McAllen Code of Ordinances, which includes provisions relevant to trees, rights-of-way and development controls. City of McAllen Code of Ordinances[1]

Permits and when they are required

Permits are commonly required for removing trees in the public right-of-way, protected trees on private property during development, or any work that affects street trees. For application instructions, forms and permit submittal requirements, consult Development Services and the city permitting pages. McAllen Development Services - Permits[2]

Always check for a required permit before trimming or removing trees adjacent to streets.

Applications & Forms

The city posts permit application details and contact points on the Development Services pages. If a specific "Tree Removal Permit" form number or fee schedule is needed, it is not specified in the municipal code page alone and should be confirmed with Development Services via the official permit portal cited above. If no published form is visible online, call the department before starting work.

Common planting and preservation rules

  • Setbacks and spacing: trees planted near sidewalks, utilities or curbs must meet setback and spacing standards in subdivision and street-tree rules.
  • Approved species lists: the city maintains or references lists of recommended street trees and prohibited species for planting in public rights-of-way.
  • Construction protection: trees affected by construction typically require protective measures and may require a preservation plan as part of development review.
  • Right-of-way trees: trees in the public right-of-way are managed by the city and removal or major pruning often requires prior authorization.
Street trees are generally considered the responsibility of the city and require authorization before removal.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by city departments designated in the municipal code and by Development Services or Code Enforcement for on-the-ground compliance. Specific monetary fines, escalation schedules for repeat or continuing offenses, and non-monetary sanctions are not specified on the cited municipal code page and should be confirmed with the city pages cited above[1][2].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offense penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: restoration orders, stop-work orders, replacement planting requirements or court actions are among typical sanctions; exact remedies are identified in city enforcement rules or code provisions.
  • Enforcer: Development Services and Code Enforcement divisions for inspections and complaints; use the permit and department pages to report violations.
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited municipal code page and should be confirmed with the municipal code or Development Services.
If you are cited or informed of a violation, contact Development Services immediately to learn appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

  • If a named "Tree Removal Permit" form exists, the name, number and fee schedule are available via Development Services; the municipal code page does not list specific form numbers or fees.

How to comply - practical action steps

  • Check the City Code and Development Services permit requirements before any work.
  • Apply for the permit with Development Services and include tree protection or replacement plans when required.
  • Pay any permit fees and schedule inspections as directed by the permit conditions.
  • Follow approved pruning and removal methods; document compliance with photos or inspection reports.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my private property?
It depends on the tree location and whether the property is under development; check the municipal code and Development Services permit rules for specifics.
Who do I contact to report illegal tree removal in the right-of-way?
Contact Development Services or Code Enforcement using the city permit and department pages cited above for complaint filing.
Are replacement trees required if I remove a protected tree?
Replacement or mitigation requirements may apply; check the municipal code and the Development Services guidance for when mitigation is required.

How-To

  1. Identify tree location and check whether it is in the public right-of-way or subject to protection rules.
  2. Visit Development Services permit pages and download or request the tree removal permit application if required.
  3. Prepare supporting materials: site plan, species list, reason for removal, and replacement planting plan if required.
  4. Submit the application, pay fees, and schedule any required inspections or reviews before work begins.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check municipal code and Development Services before removing or planting trees.
  • Contact Development Services or Code Enforcement early to confirm permits, forms and appeal rights.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of McAllen Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] McAllen Development Services - Permits

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