A tree removal permit in Richmond, KY is not something most homeowners need to worry about — the city and Madison County generally don’t require a permit to remove a tree on your own residential property, though a few situations change that answer.
Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Richmond, KY?
Usually not, for a healthy tree on your own residential lot — permits typically come into play only for trees in a designated easement, right-of-way, or subject to a subdivision or HOA landscaping rule.
When a Permit or Extra Step Actually Applies
- City right-of-way trees: a tree between the sidewalk and the street, or one the city planted, generally falls under city rather than homeowner authority.
- Utility easements: a tree growing into power lines usually gets handled by the utility company directly rather than a private removal.
- New subdivisions and HOAs: some newer Richmond developments carry deed restrictions on tree removal that a city permit search won’t show — check your HOA covenant if you have one.
- Property line disputes: if a tree straddles a boundary, ownership (and the right to remove it) is a legal question separate from any city permit.
When in doubt, a quick call to the City of Richmond confirms whether a specific tree falls under city authority before work starts — it’s a five-minute call that avoids a much bigger headache. If the tree is near a boundary line, our tree removal page covers how we handle property-line jobs, and typical removals in Richmond run $400 to $2,500, labeled as typical, depending on size and access.
Does removing a dead or hazardous tree require a permit?
No — a dead, dying, or hazardous tree on your own property is generally treated as routine maintenance, not something requiring city approval, regardless of size.
What if the tree is on the property line?
A boundary tree usually needs agreement from both property owners before removal, since ownership of a tree that straddles a line is typically shared. Check with your neighbor and, if needed, the Madison County PVA for the exact boundary.
Not sure if your situation needs a call to the city first? Get a free assessment or call or text (859) 310-1209.
Related: Tree Removal in Richmond, KY | Tree Removal Cost
Last updated: August 26, 2026