Permits and rules: your questions answered

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

Not on private property. The City of Reno says no permit is needed to remove, prune or plant on private property. A Tree Work Permit is required for work in City right-of-way or on City property, and a Certified Arborist is required for that work. Development sites have separate tree protection rules. Reno Urban Forestry can be reached at 775-321-8373. See our guide to tree removal permits in Northern Nevada.

Full answer: Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Reno?

What about Carson City?

Check with Carson City Public Works for any tree in the right-of-way, which is usually the strip between the sidewalk and street. Carson City's landscaping and tree standards are in its municipal code, Title 18. Our research found no private-property removal permit, but rules change, so call before you start. The city is the agency that decides. Read about tree service in Carson City.

Full answer: Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Carson City?

Do I need a permit in Sparks?

We did not find a private-tree permit in Sparks. A summary from the Truckee Meadows Water Authority says the city's urban forestry program was eliminated in 2008. That does not cover trees in the public right-of-way or special districts, and an HOA may have its own rules. Call the City of Sparks if you are unsure. See tree service in Sparks.

Full answer: Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Sparks?

What are the rules at Lake Tahoe?

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency requires a permit to remove a live tree over 14 inches in diameter at breast height, which is 4.5 feet up the trunk. On lakeshore lots the threshold is 6 inches between the house and the lake. A dead tree that could fall on a house needs no permit. The agency decides, and fire districts handle defensible-space permits. Details are on our Lake Tahoe questions page.

Does Battle Born Tree Service handle permits?

We have not published a permit service, so ask the office when you call. What we can do is tell you which agency usually decides for your address and what they typically look at, so you know what to ask. A certified arborist is required for work in Reno right-of-way, and we have two ISA Certified Arborists on staff. The permit decision stays with the agency. Our estimate form lets you note your address.

Full answer: Does Battle Born Tree Service handle permits?

Does Nevada license tree removal?

Nevada's contractors board consumer guide lists removal and trimming of trees and shrubs among work that does not require a contractor's license, so there is no state license number to show for it. We are licensed and fully insured, and our Nevada Business License number is 20131580674. Ask any tree company for proof of insurance. Our guides cover proof of insurance and how to verify an ISA Certified Arborist.

Does my HOA have a say?

Often yes. Many HOAs require approval for removing or heavily pruning trees, especially in front yards or common areas, even when the city does not. Check your covenants before you schedule. A written estimate can support your request to the board. We work with homeowner associations and property managers. Our guide explains HOA tree rules and what to check first, and the HOA page describes how we work with managers.

Who pays if a neighbor's tree falls on my property?

That depends on the facts, and your insurer or an attorney decides. We can only explain the general idea in our guide, which is not legal advice. Take photos, notify your insurer and keep your estimates. If the tree is on a boundary line, the answer may differ. Read a neighbor's tree fell on your property: who pays. A detailed written estimate helps whoever has to decide.

What rules apply near power lines?

NV Energy handles its own lines, and it does not clear the service drop to a home, which is the owner's responsibility. You can request line trimming at nvenergy.com/tree. Unqualified people must stay 10 feet from lines up to 50 kV. If a tree or limb is on a line, stay away and call NV Energy. Our service is utility and structure clearance, and our guide covers trees and power lines.

Do I need to call 811 before stump grinding?

Call 811 before any digging or grinding below grade. It is standard practice and gets public utility lines marked at no charge to you. Private lines, like sprinklers and landscape lighting, are not marked by 811, so point them out at the estimate. We have not quoted the Nevada statute on this, so check the 811 site. See call 811 before stump grinding.