Knowledge Base

Tree Preservation and Payment Process

Any person or company performing any construction, or other activities, within 25 feet of any public or private tree is required to apply for a permit. This construction may be in the City of right of way, in a front yard, side yard, or back yard. The City will evaluate the request and issue a permit when the work is expected to impact a tree. In the majority of cases, the work will impact some portion of the tree -- most commonly the roots.

Most tree preservation permits cost $80.00. If the proposed activity will significantly impact more than one tree, the permit cost may be $80 per tree. Parkway plantings and tree care companies that are maintaining City trees at the request of the homeowner are not charged for a permit, although they are required to obtain a permit.  

When trees are removed on private property, the property owner may be responsible for planting replacement trees or paying a fee-in-lieu.

Tree preservation permit requests must be submitted with a diagram that clearly shows where the work is located, along with any parkway trees within 25ft of the work. Trees on neighboring properties should also be included.

If the request is for parkway planting, please attach the plant list if you do not have a formal plan. According to City code, parkway plants are required to be less than 3 feet tall at maturity.

If the project is completed in conjunction with a Building Permit application, submit the diagram and other required information along with the Building Permit Application.

Tree Preservation Permit - https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/public-works/services/tree-preservation-permits.

Apply for a Tree Preservation Permits link- https://cityofevanston.wufoo.com/forms/z112dvi71imp8ol/

Pay for a Tree Preservation Permit (after permit has been issued): Tree Permit Payment - https://www.billerpayments.com/app/cust/guestauth.do?bsn=specasmt

LINK TO DOCUMENT
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d3B2wqDvK4wo8lckaSMQNBJ0RKQNSs1W/view?usp=sharing

Updated 8/15/2024 6:23 PM
Was this page helpful? Yes No
Thanks for your feedback!