Sangamon County Tree Removal Laws & Permits

Last Updated: 23 September 2020

For better control and directing on how trees should be handled, Sangamon county has a tree ordinance which provides guidelines for that.

Through the Sangamon county tree ordinance, you will need a permit to remove, cut or trim some trees.

Below you will find a summary that will help you know when you need a permit, for what trees, how to get one, and conditions attached to such trees and permits.

However, checking the county tree ordinance full guide will help you understand more about this.

Yes. According to the county tree preservation codes, residents can be allowed to remove trees from forests.

However, this comes with certain regulations. The first thing is that you have to obtain the necessary forestry permit before you can remove any trees.

The permits may allow you to do any of the following actions.

• To collect or cut any dead trees or their parts which you can use for commercial purposes.
• Cutting of live trees or their parts for use on domestic needs.
• Having of forest products apart from wood and use them for commercial reasons.
• Clearing land for agriculture or other reasons.
• Transporting of forest products.
• Importation of forest-related products.

Yes. In case you need to remove trees from any public land then you need to get a permit. When getting a permit a fee is paid unless the trees in question are dead, dying or diseased.

No. It is unlawful for anyone to plant trees on the county’s right of way without a permit.

The county requires anyone interested in planting such trees to first obtain a permit from the city forester.

However, once you get the permit from the city forester, you have to plant according to the regulations provided.

This applies to all public right of way and parkways.

These are trees that are considered to pose a danger to the public. They are trees that overhang public ways or interfere with the provision of public services. Such trees are considered a nuisance.

Such prohibited trees should be removed by the property owners within a period of 20 days.

However, in case you do not act within this period, you will receive a notice from the city manager.

In case you fail to comply, the city will have the right to remove or trim such trees with the owner bearing all the costs and expenses.

When a protected tree is removed, the city will require a replacement. However, in most cases, the city forester will determine what trees to be replaced and when it should be done.

Yes. Anyone who is found guilty of breaching any tree preservation codes is fined. You may have to pay fines or serve a jail term in some cases. You may also be required to replace the damaged trees.