The quick version: a tree in your own yard in Chattanooga generally doesn't need a city permit. A tree in the public right-of-way or on city land does. Historic districts, building projects and the surrounding towns can add their own rules.
Trees on your own property
Chattanooga passed a new tree ordinance in April 2025. The city was clear about what it doesn't do: it "does not prohibit homeowners from removing trees on private property, including backyards." The new rules are aimed at development. Builders clearing land now have to replace a set amount of tree canopy for each acre they develop, plant buffer trees next to homes, or pay into a city tree bank.
So if the tree is fully on your lot, you're not building anything, and you're not in a historic district, you can usually have it removed without a city permit. HOA covenants and deed restrictions are separate from city law, so check yours if you're in a planned neighborhood.
Street trees and the right-of-way
This is where homeowners get caught. The city's Tree Ordinance Permit is required for planting or "any impact to existing trees on the right-of-way" or on city-owned parcels. That includes removal, heavy pruning and digging in the root zone. The permit page lists a $500 non-refundable fee, a site plan showing tree protection and grading, and a two-year approval period.
The right-of-way is often wider than people think. It usually covers the strip between the sidewalk and the street, and on many streets it reaches into the front yard. A tree that "feels" like yours can belong to the city. Before you touch a tree near the street:
- Look up your lot lines on the Hamilton County property maps, or check your survey.
- Email Chattanooga Urban Forestry at urbanforestry@chattanooga.gov and ask whether the tree is public.
- If a city tree is dead, dropping limbs or has fallen, report it through 311 instead of paying to remove it yourself.
Historic districts
Chattanooga has four local historic districts under the Historic Zoning Commission: St. Elmo, Fort Wood, Ferger Place and Battery Place. New construction, additions and demolitions there go through design review. The adopted design guidelines also speak to landscaping. The St. Elmo guidelines, for example, say to maintain historic or early landscaping, "especially trees," rather than remove it.
If you live in one of these districts and want a large, mature tree removed, call the city's historic preservation planner before scheduling the work. It's a short call and it can save you a stop-work problem.
Building, clearing or grading
If tree removal is part of a construction project, the land disturbance and development permits for that project control what can come down and what has to be protected or replaced. Your builder or site engineer should handle this. Don't let a tree crew clear a building lot ahead of those permits.
Towns around Chattanooga
Each town in Hamilton County, and each city across the Georgia line, sets its own tree rules. As a rule of thumb, trees on private residential lots are rarely regulated, while trees on town property or along town streets are. A few local notes:
- Signal Mountain sets its own rules for trees on town property and along town roads. Call Town Hall before working on any tree near the street.
- Lookout Mountain, Tennessee: the town has reminded residents that if a tree from their yard falls onto town property, the homeowner is responsible for removing it.
- Red Bank, East Ridge, Soddy-Daisy, Collegedale and the rest of Hamilton County: ask your town hall about trees near the street. Unincorporated county land generally has fewer rules than the cities.
- Ringgold, Fort Oglethorpe and Lookout Mountain, Georgia: Georgia leaves tree rules to cities and counties. Check with city hall for street trees and with your HOA for anything else.
Power lines are a separate issue
A tree touching or leaning into power lines isn't a permit question. It's a safety one. Don't let anyone but a line-clearance crew work near energized lines. See our guide to trees near power lines and EPB.
Not sure where your tree stands?
When you request a quote, tell us where the tree is: backyard, front yard, by the street, or on a line. The crew we connect you with will look at it in person and tell you whether a permit question needs answering before work starts. For the cost side, see our tree removal cost guide, and for choosing a crew, how to hire a tree service.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my backyard in Chattanooga?
Generally no. The City of Chattanooga says its 2025 tree ordinance does not prohibit homeowners from removing trees on private property, including backyards. The exceptions are trees in the public right-of-way, trees on city property, and trees affected by development or land disturbance permits.
Who owns the tree between the sidewalk and the street?
Usually the city. The public right-of-way often reaches past the curb and sidewalk into what looks like your front yard. If you're not sure, ask Chattanooga Urban Forestry before any work starts.
What does a Chattanooga Tree Ordinance Permit cost?
The city's permit page lists a $500 non-refundable fee for work that affects trees in the right-of-way or on city-owned parcels. The permit is valid for two years. Check the city's page for the current fee before you apply.
Does a tree crew pull the permit for me?
Sometimes. Ask before you sign. A good crew will tell you whether the tree is likely to be public and who is responsible for any permit.