Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Northern Nevada?

Rules belong to the agency that makes them, and they change. Use this guide to know which office to call, then confirm with that office before work starts.

The rules at a glance

Does Reno require a permit to remove a tree?

The City of Reno does not require a permit to remove, prune or plant a tree on private property. A Tree Work Permit is required for work on trees in City rights-of-way or on City property, and that work must be done by a Certified Arborist.

The strip between the sidewalk and the curb is often right-of-way even though the homeowner waters it. If the tree stands there, call Reno Urban Forestry before you book the job.

Carson City and Sparks

We have not found a permit requirement for removing a tree on private property in Carson City. For a tree in the street right-of-way, check with Carson City Public Works before any work.

The Truckee Meadows Water Authority's summary of local tree ordinances notes that the City of Sparks eliminated its urban forestry program in 2008. We found no private-tree permit there, but ask the City about any tree in the right-of-way.

When do you need a permit to remove a tree at Lake Tahoe?

Inside the Lake Tahoe Basin the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency sets the rules for every property, private or not. A permit is required to remove a live tree larger than 14 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH), measured 4.5 feet above the ground. On lakeshore lots the limit is 6 inches for trees between the house and the lake.

A dead tree that could fall on a house does not need a TRPA permit. Removing branches from the upper two-thirds of a tree also needs a permit, with exceptions for branches near structures, utility conflicts and dead wood.

For defensible space, the fire protection districts evaluate properties and issue tree permits: the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District for Incline Village and Crystal Bay, and the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District for the Nevada south shore. See our Tahoe permit guide for how to measure DBH.

Other approvals people forget

• Homeowners association rules, which can require approval before removing or heavily pruning a tree
• Building sites: the City of Reno has tree protection rules for development
• Power lines: NV Energy handles its own primary lines, so call them about any tree near one
• Buried utilities: call 811 before stump grinding below grade

What a tree service can and cannot do

We can tell you which agency covers your property and what it usually asks for. The agency decides whether a permit is needed and whether it is granted, and unless your agreement says otherwise the property owner is responsible for the permit.