A permit is required to remove any tree on city property (which include trees planted on rights of way, medians, parks and other city property) or on a setback.
If you witness the removal of trees from street easements, please immediately call the Urban Park Rangers dispatch at 832-395-7100 so the department can check for permits and avoid unnecessary street tree loss. This phone line is answered 24 hours a day.
Permit must be kept on premises and publicly posted 20 days before tree removal or trimming.
Fees vary depending upon the size and location of tree.
The requirements for commercial properties and parking lots are more specific in regards to trees and shrubs, and the ordinance is available for clarification.
A landscape plan for the building site
- depicted on either the development plans or parking lot site plan,
- showing the locations of existing and proposed utility lines (both above and below ground), roadways, sidewalks, street lights, trees, shrubs, understory, natural features, other landscape elements, and planting or construction details
- preservation method (only applicable for requested credit)
- plant schedule which includes quantities, minimum size at time of planting, and botanical and common names keyed to the plan.
Upload all required documents.
Upon plan review approval, a permit is issued and construction may begin. A site inspection is required to verify compliance with the landscape plan.