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

Your own lot

According to the City of Reno's Urban Forestry tree FAQs, no permit is needed to remove, prune or plant trees on private property. That covers the backyard elm and the front-yard ash standing wholly on your lot.

There is a carve-out for development. The Truckee Meadows Water Authority's summary of local ordinances says Reno's tree protection rules sit in Chapter 18.12, Article V of its code and cover tree preservation, replacement and mitigation on projects. If you are building, subdividing or applying for a permit for new construction, ask the city's planning staff what applies before any tree comes down.

The planter strip and City property

Work in City right-of-way or on City property does need a Tree Work Permit, and the city requires a Certified Arborist for that work. The strip between the sidewalk and the curb is usually right-of-way, so a street tree there is the city's concern even if it is in front of your house. Reno Urban Forestry's number on its page is 775-321-8373.

The ordinance summary adds that anyone working within 10 feet of a publicly owned tree must contact the City's Urban Forester before digging. That matters for stump grinding and trenching near a street tree.

Where we fit

We have two ISA Certified Arborists on staff, which is the kind of credential the city asks for on right-of-way work. We do not run the permit for you; the agency decides, and we can tell you which one to ask. See whether we handle permits.

HOA covenants are a separate layer that many Reno neighborhoods have. Our guide on HOA tree rules lists what to check, and the wider picture is in tree removal permits in Northern Nevada.