Midland Tree Removal Permit - Requirements & Fees

Land Use and Zoning Texas 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Midland, Texas, removing protected or street trees often requires a municipal tree removal permit. This guide explains who must apply, what documents to prepare, typical fees and timelines, enforcement and appeal routes, and concrete steps to submit an application in Midland.

Always check the City of Midland's official code and permit pages before work begins.

What requires a tree removal permit

Permits typically apply to trees on public rights-of-way, trees identified as protected by local codes, or projects that remove multiple trees during development. Property owners and contractors should confirm whether a permit is needed before trimming or removal to avoid penalties.

How to apply

  • Prepare an application or permit request from Development Services or Planning; some projects require site plans or arborist reports.
  • Include photos, a site plan showing tree locations, species and diameter at breast height (DBH), and a statement of reason for removal.
  • Pay the applicable permit fee when submitting; if fees are not listed on the official page, they are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Allow processing time; timelines vary by project complexity and review workload.

Applications & Forms

The official City of Midland permit form name or number for tree removal is not specified on the cited page; applicants should consult Development Services for the current application and any checklist.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unauthorized tree removal is managed by the city department responsible for permits and code compliance. Where the municipal code or permit pages specify fines or remedies, those figures are cited; where the code does not state amounts, the text below notes "not specified on the cited page" and points to the official code.[1]

  • Monetary fines: the municipal code does not list specific fine amounts on the cited page and therefore the exact dollar penalties are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation: the code's escalation for first, repeat, or continuing offences is not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement may include stop-work orders, restoration orders, permit revocation, and civil actions; specific remedies are not fully enumerated on the cited page.[1]
  • Enforcer and reporting: code compliance and Development Services or Planning enforce tree rules; contact details are in the Help and Support / Resources section below.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and exact time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page; applicants should refer to the city appeal procedures or contact Development Services.[1]
Unauthorized removal can result in orders to replace trees or restore landscaping.

Common violations

  • Removing street trees or trees in a public easement without a permit.
  • Failing to obtain required arborist reports for protected-species removals.
  • Removing trees during construction without approved mitigation or replacement plans.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the tree is on private property, a public right-of-way, or classified as protected by consulting the City Code and Development Services.[1]
  2. Gather required documents: site plan, photos, species and DBH measurements, and an arborist report if requested.
  3. Complete the official tree removal permit application and pay the fee at Development Services.
  4. Schedule or allow any required inspection; comply with any mitigation or replacement conditions the city imposes.
  5. If denied, follow the city's appeal procedures or request a review within the city's stated time limits.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree on my private property?
Often a permit is not required for hazardous or dead trees on private property, but you should confirm with Development Services because protected species or trees affecting easements may still require permits.
Where do I submit a tree removal permit application?
Submit applications to the City of Midland Development Services or the Planning department; see Help and Support / Resources for official links and contact details.
What happens if I remove a tree without a permit?
Unauthorized removal may trigger fines, restoration orders, and other enforcement actions as provided by city code.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Check whether a permit is needed before any tree work to avoid penalties.
  • Prepare site plans, photos and species/DBH info when applying.
  • Contact Development Services for forms, fees and appeals guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Midland Code of Ordinances - searchable municipal code

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