Tree removal in Livingston: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Livingston Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Livingston's code says

Livingston code What Livingston's code adds
Exemptions	Exempt: removing trees that are dead or severely diseased. § 5-4-8 · code text Removal of trees which are dead or severely diseased; Exempt: removing trees that are a significant safety risk. § 5-4-8 · code text Removal of trees which present a significant safety risk.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree permit is required. Applies: Removing any mature tree at least 6 inches in diameter, measured 4 feet above grade at the base. § 5-4-8 · code text A tree permit shall be required for the removal of any mature tree measuring at least six inches in diameter, as measured four feet above grade at the base of the tree.
Protected trees	Any mature tree at least 6 inches in diameter, measured 4 feet above grade at the base of the tree. Applies: All zones in the city. § 5-4-8 · code text A tree permit shall be required for the removal of any mature tree measuring at least six inches in diameter, as measured four feet above grade at the base of the tree.
Replacement trees	Plant 5 replacement trees for each one removed; each must be at least a 24-inch box size. Applies: Removing any protected tree. § 5-4-8 · code text The city requires a five to one (5:1) replacement ratio for removal of any protected tree. Each replacement tree shall be a minimum 24 inch box size, though the city may, as part of the tree permit process or as part of any required site plan/design review, require installation of larger trees. The city may reduce the 5-to-1 replacement ratio. Applies: When trees larger than 24-inch box size are planted. § 5-4-8 · code text When trees larger than 24 inch box size are installed, the tree replacement ratio of five to one (5:1) may be reduced at the discretion of the city.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Livingston?

Livingston's code: Yes, a tree permit is required. (Removing any mature tree at least 6 inches in diameter, measured 4 feet above grade at the base.) (§ 5-4-8); Any mature tree at least 6 inches in diameter, measured 4 feet above grade at the base of the tree. (All zones in the city.) (§ 5-4-8).

Tree removal in Livingston

What Livingston's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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