Thinking about pruning, replacing, or removing a street tree outside your Lancaster City Historic District home? You are right to pause before you call a contractor. The City has clear rules for street and protected trees, and following them will save you time, money, and stress. In this guide, you will learn when permits are required, how Historic District review fits in, and the exact steps to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Who regulates street trees
Street trees are regulated by the City of Lancaster’s Department of Public Works through the City Arborist and Urban Forester. The key rules live in Chapter 273 of the City’s Tree Ordinance and the City’s Tree Manual. Start with the City’s overview of tree permitting requirements, then review the Tree Manual and the codified ordinance in ecode360 Chapter 273.
When you need a permit
You need a permit for any work on trees in the public right of way. That includes planting, pruning, removal, treatment, and stump work. The right of way often includes the curb strip between the sidewalk and the street, alleys, and areas that may be inside your front yard if they fall within the recorded right of way. You still need a permit if the tree overhangs the right of way.
Private protected trees
Some private trees also require permits. A protected tree is either any tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 12 inches or more within 20 feet of a street right of way, or any tree with a DBH of 24 inches or more elsewhere on the lot. Work that triggers a permit includes transplanting, cutting, pruning, treating, or removing a protected tree. Root pruning of large roots, excavation within the tree protection zone, and pesticide application on protected trees also require permits or licensed applicators. See the City’s tree permitting page and the Tree Manual for details.
Quick right of way check
Not sure if your tree is in the right of way or protected? Measure DBH at 4.5 feet above the ground and contact the City Arborist for guidance. The City can help you confirm right of way limits and permit triggers. Use the contacts and forms on the tree permitting page.
Historic District and HARB
Living in the Historic District adds one more consideration. The Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) reviews exterior building changes and visible site alterations. Routine tree permits are handled under Chapter 273, not by HARB. If your project changes the site’s visible character as part of a larger plan, such as a new driveway or major landscape redesign, coordinate early with staff through the City’s HARB page. City design standards that guide public projects also reference street tree spacing and retention in ecode360 design standards.
How to get a permit
Follow this simple workflow to avoid delays:
Measure DBH or ask the Urban Forester to confirm. The City explains how to measure on the tree permitting page.
Contact the City Arborist or Urban Forester for pre-application help, especially if you are unsure about the right of way or protection zones.
Complete the Tree Work Permit Application with species, size, and a sketch or photos that show the tree and property lines. The Tree Manual lists what to include.
For right of way work, hire an approved contractor with the required insurance. You can also use the City’s Street Tree Planting Program for new plantings, where the City handles siting and installation.
Do the work exactly as permitted. Be ready for conditions such as required replacement, stump removal, or sidewalk repair, which are common. Permit information and contractor resources are on the tree permitting page.
Replacements and fees
When a tree is removed under a permit, you must replace it within one year unless the City approves a fee in lieu because on-site planting is not feasible. The Department sets the fee and uses it for City plantings. Stump removal and any related sidewalk repairs are your responsibility. These requirements are outlined in Chapter 273.
Emergencies and timing
If a tree poses an imminent hazard, the City can act at once in the public right of way. For private property emergencies, you may remove the danger immediately, then document the situation and obtain or confirm the permit with the City on the next business day. Permits have time limits for completion and expiration windows, as described in Chapter 273 and the Tree Manual.
Avoid violations and penalties
Enforcement runs through the City Arborist and the Department of Public Works. Unpermitted removal or damage to protected trees can lead to replacement orders, fees, and other penalties. Costs for emergency work performed by the City can be assessed to property owners and may become a lien if unpaid. Appeal procedures and enforcement tools are detailed in Chapter 273.
Best practices to stay compliant
- Confirm whether the tree is in the right of way or is protected before hiring anyone.
- Use the City’s approved contractor list for right of way work and verify insurance and licenses.
- Document the tree’s condition with photos and dates.
- For projects that also change the site’s appearance, contact HARB staff early to coordinate reviews.
- Follow the Tree Manual for proper watering, mulching, and pruning schedules.
City programs and tools
You have access to several helpful resources. The Street Tree Planting Program installs approved species for the cost of the tree and includes first-year watering. Explore the City’s tree services, contacts, and reporting tools on the Trees and Services page. If you are planning a new planting, review eligibility and process through the Planting Program page.
Why this matters to you
Street trees shape the Historic District’s character and your home’s curb appeal. Getting permits right protects you from fines and delays, and it helps you plan budgets for replacement, sidewalks, and timelines. If you are selling, clean documentation and compliant work can keep your transaction on track. If you are buying, understanding the rules helps you plan future improvements with confidence.
If you are weighing tree work as part of a sale or renovation, connect with Josh Wood to align your timeline, budget, and marketing strategy with Lancaster’s rules.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to prune a street tree in the Lancaster City Historic District?
- Yes, any pruning or work on a tree in the public right of way requires a City permit as explained on the City’s tree permitting page.
What counts as a protected private tree in Lancaster City?
- A protected tree is 12 inches DBH or more within 20 feet of a street right of way, or 24 inches DBH or more anywhere else on a lot, which triggers a permit for most work.
How does HARB review affect tree removal at a Historic District property?
- Routine tree work is permitted under Chapter 273, but if tree changes are part of larger site or building alterations visible from the street, you should coordinate with HARB staff.
Can I remove a hazardous tree without a permit if it is an emergency?
- You may address immediate hazards, then document the situation and obtain or confirm the permit with the City on the next business day.
Who is responsible for sidewalk repairs after a permitted tree removal?
- Property owners are typically responsible for stump removal and any required sidewalk repairs as conditions of the permit.
Where can I find the City’s standards for planting and pruning?
- The City’s Tree Manual provides the regulations and technical standards for planting, pruning, protection, and permit procedures.
