If you are in Erie, PA, you may think the trees in your garden or yard belong to you and you can do whatever you want. But that is a totally invalid idea. Even though the trees are on your land or property, you need to follow all the tree removal laws Erie PA.
Even if the tree is dead, poses a safety risk, or is blocking your way, you can’t just remove it by yourself—there are proper procedures to follow. If you don’t, it can lead to serious consequences.
Violating the rules of tree removal can lead to legal complications, fines, and even forced replanting. So, before you reach for that chainsaw, ask yourself: Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Erie, PA?
Let us give you the answers to all your questions about Tree Removal Laws in Erie, PA in this blog.
Overview of Tree Regulations in Erie
First of all, we need to identify what a tree is. So let me give you a clear idea based on the municipal guidelines.
A tree is typically defined as a wood
y plant with a single main stem or trunk that measures at least six inches in diameter at breast height.
With this definition, we can determine whether someone needs a permit to remove the tree or not. If it’s not considered a tree by this standard, then you do not need a permit.
And just using common sense, you should know that trees on public property, such as those along sidewalks, in parks, or near roadways, are
maintained by the city. So, you cannot legally trim, alter, or remove these trees without proper permission.
Even when it comes to trees on private property, there are still certain rules you must follow.
So in the next section, let’s take a look at what the Tree Removal Laws Erie PA actually say.
Tree Removal Laws Erie PA – What the Law Says
So let us summarize the laws you need to be aware of.
Do you need permission to work on city trees?
Yes. You need a permit to:
• Plant, remove, trim, or damage a tree on city property.
• Permits are free and are given out by the City Forester.
Can I plant trees on my own in public areas?
No; you must get permission and follow city guidelines. The city must approve the type and location of the tree.
What if a tree is dangerous or blocking sidewalks?
- The City Forester can inspect it.
• If it’s unsafe, the city can trim or remove it.
• Property owners may be asked to take care of trees near their homes if they are responsible.
Can the city remove trees?
Yes, if trees are dead, diseased, or dangerous, the city can remove them.
What if trees are on private property?
- The city generally does NOT manage trees on private property.
• Property owners are responsible for taking care of their own trees.
• BUT, if a private tree becomes dangerous (for example, it’s about to fall into the street or onto someone else’s property), the City Forester can inspect it.
• If the tree is a safety risk to the public, the city can order the property owner to fix the problem either by trimming or removing the tree.
• If the owner ignores the warning, the city may fix the issue and charge the property owner for the cost.
Breaking the rules?
- People who damage or remove public trees without permission may face fines or legal action.
• Violations can be reported to the city.
When Homeowners Need a Permit
As a resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, for now, you know that typically you do not need a permit to remove trees if they are in your private area. But even though the tree is on private property, if it creates a public safety concern, like, imagine the tree you need to remove is near a sidewalk, street, or public area, or even if a branch is exposed to a public area, then you need to get a permit. This law is enforced because removing a tree can damage people, property, or vehicles.
And in the next scenario, imagine the tree on your property is dead, diseased, or may cause harm in the future. What you need to do is talk with the City Forester. They will issue you a permit. Sometimes you may not need a permit, but you do need to coordinate with the city and make sure all the safety guidelines are followed.
If you need to get a permit, then you should contact the City Forester’s office. Most of the time, permits are free of charge, and if you are following all the safety guidelines, there are no issues. But if you do a removal without permission or coordination, then you may face fines or legal issues
Permit Processing and Compliance
In Pennsylvania, as well as in the City of Erie, there are safety and environmental considerations that accompany the process of a tree-cutting permit. Begin by reaching out to Erie’s Code Enforcement or the Department of Public Works (dismantling infrastructure). A tree removal permit application is mandatory. It usually comes with attributes like the address of the property, the kind and state the tree is in, as well as the accompanying reasons for its removal.
Among the documents required, proof of property ownership, site plans, and at times, an arborist’s assessment will do. Application fees tend to differ, but on average are between 25 and 100 dollars, depending on the nature of the work involved. After submission, the city undertakes the responsibility of inspecting the tree as a prerequisite for determining if its removal is authorized under legal parameters.
The City of Erie attempts to protect the urban canopy and as a consequence face urban canopy and as a consequence faces harsh eco-territorial impact strips for removable trees. Mature, healthy trees face the risk of non-justified permits, while in other scenarios, conditions to sprout new trees as scions of the ecological sprite come in, redecorating fragments of the proposed line.
The same is valid for other Pennsylvanian areas, though every borough has the liberty to determine its own guidelines. Before desecrating trees check for tree mutilation ordinances, disregard comes along hardwoods with the amenities for public use forest fines and restoration are dually strengthen
s legal and ecological fundamentals.
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