Fort Worth Tree Removal Permit Process and City Departments

Located in north-eastern Texas, Fort Worth occupies 350 square miles with its nearly 895,000 residents. Fort Worth has a humid subtropical climate with wintertime lows reaching 31℉ while summertime highs top 95℉.

Fort Worth lies entirely within Hardiness Zone 8a, and boasts over 12,060 acres of park assets. As such, Fort Worth has established a tree ordinance to protect its tree canopy and offer guidelines for tree removal.

Following is an excerpt from http://www.treeremovalpermit.com/texas/fort-worth-ordinance-permit-application-city-arborist/, which explains in detail how to handle fallen trees in Fort Worth, Tx, the tree removal permit process and its requirements.

Tree Removal Permit Regulations for Private Property

The City of Fort Worth, Tx has established a number of tree policies designed to protect its overall population of trees. There are two (2) unique permits, either of which can be required by Urban Forestry based on the scenario, that will be outlined in this document.

The Urban Forestry Compliance Department implements and enforces the urban forestry ordinance, and property owners should note its requirements per the following scenarios:

1) A City of Fort Worth Tree Removal Permit or Urban Forestry Permit is not required for the removal of a single (1) dead, dying, diseased or hazardous tree from your single unit property which must be under one (1) acre.

2) An Urban Forestry Permit is required if the tree in question meets the following criteria:

• It is located on property that’s more than one (1) acre.
• It is located on property with multiple unit homes.
• It is a Significant Tree.
• It is of any species with a DBH (diameter at breast height) of 6 inches or greater.
• It is a Heritage Tree.
• When trees are located on property in which building, construction, or site work will require a development permit. (An Urban Forestry permit must be acquired before approval of the development permit is granted)

3) A City of Fort Worth Tree Removal Permit is required for the removal of a single (1) tree that:

• Will not result in more than 75% of existing tree canopy on the site being destroyed (if more than 75% of the canopy will be lost, an Urban Forestry Permit is required).
• Is located on adjacent city property (street tree, privacy tree, etc.) that is adversely affecting private property, or is hazardous to people or structures, dead, or dying.
• Is located on adjacent city property and is infested with insects or disease, threatening the health of surrounding trees.

The Fort Worth Tree Removal Permit Application Process

In the event you are intending to remove a tree or trees which require a tree removal permit, this information will guide you through the process.

To apply for a tree removal permit from the City’s Urban Forestry Compliance Department:

1. Download or print the City of Fort Worth Tree Removal Permit Application.
2. Fill out the application in its entirety, providing a detailed explanation for the removal.
3. Submit as much documentation as possible, including a map of the location, pictures that show the tree’s location, and letters or documents such as a Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form signed by an ISA certified arborist explaining the need for removal.
4. A completed application and supporting documentation can be emailed to urbanforestry@fortworthtexas.gov

You can also apply in person, mail or hand deliver your application to:

City of Fort Worth
Planning and Development Department
Urban Forestry Compliance
200 Texas (Lower Level)
Fort Worth, Texas, 76102

The Fort Worth Urban Forestry Permit Application Process

In the event you are intending to remove multiple healthy trees, or trees which require an Urban Forestry permit, this information will guide you through the process.

1. Download or print the Urban Forestry Permit Application.
2. Application forms, calculations and site plans may be submitted electronically through the City’s online permitting system (once you have created an account) or delivered to the address below.

Please note that paper applications must include a CD or flash drive containing PDF versions of application documents.

Application fees for an Urban Forestry Permit are as follows:

• Base fee, first five acres (up to 5.00 acres), including one revision: $250
• Additional acreage: $15 per acre or portion of an acre added to the base fee
• Any additional revisions (each): $100
• Inspection fee for site(s) with preserved trees: $50 per inspection. Initial fee is $100 to cover pre- and post-grading inspections. Additional inspections and associated fees may apply.
• Application Fee for a waiver hearing before the Urban Design Commission: $295

City of Fort Worth
Planning and Development Department
Urban Forestry Compliance
200 Texas (Lower Level)
Fort Worth, Texas, 76102

City of Fort Worth TX Forestry Section, Urban Forestry, and Arborist Information

The following contacts are helpful in the assistance of filing a tree removal application, or dealing with a power line interfering, threatening, or fallen tree.

Rustin Stephens
City Forester – ISA Certified Arborist
City of Fort Worth Forestry Section
4200 S. Freeway, Suite 2200
Fort Worth, TX 76115
Phone: 817-392-5738

Steve Cooke
Director
Transportation and Public Works Department
City Hall – Second Floor
200 Texas St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 817-392-1234

Planning and Development Department
Urban Forestry Compliance
200 Texas (Lower Level)
Fort Worth, Texas, 76102
Phone: 817-392-7933
Email: UrbanForestry@fortworthtexas.gov

Oncor Electric Delivery
Outage Line: 888-313-4747
Service Line: 888-313-6862

DigAlert
800-227-2600 or 811
digalert.org

Source(s):
fortworthtexas.gov
oncor.com
isa-arbor.com

For tree removal permit and ordinance info related to other Texas cities and counties, visit: http://www.treeremovalpermit.com/texas/

Photo by Michael Barera [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The original version of this post Fort Worth Tree Removal Permit Process and City Departments can be found on http://www.treeremovalpermit.com