Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Chattanooga?

Last checked: November 4, 2026

Short answer: On your own private land inside Chattanooga city limits, usually not. The city says its 2025 tree ordinance "does not prohibit homeowners from removing trees on private property, including backyards." A tree on public land needs a permit.

Which rule applies to you

Your situation	What the city says
A tree on your own home lot	The ordinance doesn't stop you removing it. The city says no new restrictions were placed on private owners cutting down trees on their own land.
A tree on the right-of-way or a city-owned parcel	You need a Tree Ordinance Permit for any impact to the tree.
Clearing land to build	The ordinance mainly applies to new development. Developers clearing land must keep or plant trees to meet its requirements, so check with the city first.
Commercial logging	A Timber Removal Permit applies to sites of one acre or more where at least 5,000 square feet of tree canopy comes down within a year.
A home in a local historic district	St. Elmo, Fort Wood, Ferger Place and Battery Place have a commission that reviews proposed changes. Its page doesn't mention trees, so ask before cutting.

If the tree is on public land

The city lists these details for the Tree Ordinance Permit. Confirm them before you apply, because fees can change.

Fee: $500, non-refundable.
How long it lasts: two years from the date it's issued.
What you send: an online application with a site plan showing tree protection, grading and any other impacts to public trees.

If a public tree worries you and you don't want to remove it yourself, you can report it through the city's 311 system instead. The request types Tree Removal and Tree Problem go to the city's Urban Forestry team.

If you're not sure where the tree stands

The city pages we checked don't say whether the strip between the sidewalk and the street counts as public land. Ask before anyone cuts. You can email Urban Forestry at urbanforestry@chattanooga.gov or call 311 at 423-643-6311.

For a home in a historic district, you can reach the commission's planner at 423-643-5834 or historiczoning@chattanooga.gov.

Other things to check

Outside city limits: this page only covers the City of Chattanooga. Red Bank, East Ridge, Signal Mountain, the rest of Hamilton County and north Georgia may have different rules.
Your neighborhood: a homeowners association or your deed may have its own tree rules.
Power lines: EPB says to call a professional to trim limbs around power lines. If a tree is already down, see who to call when a tree falls.
A neighbor's tree: see who pays when a neighbor's tree falls.

We're a referral service, not the city, and this is general information. City rules can change, so check with Urban Forestry if you're unsure.

Need a tree removed or trimmed?

Send one short request and we'll pass it to one local tree company. It's free to use, and you don't have to hire anyone.