THIS PERMIT EXPIRES ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ISSUANCE

Provisions: 1) The person to whom this permit is issued, agrees to do the work according to the terms of this permit and to be personally and directly responsible for all damages to persons or property arising from the work hereby permitted or authorized to be done while agreeing to indemnify and hold the City of Cleveland harmless from any loss, claim, damage, or expenses arising therefrom. The said person further agrees to repair all disturbances of public grounds, if disturbed by permit holder under this permit, to the satisfaction of the Director of Parks and Recreation and in case the permit holder fails or neglects to do so, that the said Director may have the work of restoration performed and the permit holder hereby agrees to pay said costs thereof; 2) Damage to tree(s) located on public grounds is subject to restitution as determined by the Commissioner of Urban Forestry-Cleveland City Code Chapter 509, “Trees;” 3) Changes to approved tree plans that will not affect compliance with an approved land use review may be submitted for consideration as part of the development. If the project has commenced and alternative tree preservation is proposed, an arborist report must be submitted. The arborist report shall document that the alternative tree protection measures have preserved the health of the trees and the trees have not been injured by the development project. 4) Terms and Conditions -2026

Terms and Conditions - 2026

Planting

Permits for planting on public property are subject to review by the Division of Urban Forestry.

1. Tree Planting Ordinance: Review Section § 509.13 of the City of Cleveland Codified Ordinance Tree Planting Permit; Planting Plan to ensure compliance.
2. Tree Stock: must conform to ANSI Z60 standards.
3. Tree Species: When planting in parklands, trees must be native to Northeast Ohio. Cultivars may be considered when planting in boulevards.
4. Underground Utilities Must Be Located: by the applicant prior to planting by contacting the Ohio Utility Protection Service (OUPS) at 811 before a permit application will be reviewed. Proof may be requested 
5. Tree Planting Locations: must be in compliance with the attached spacing requirements.
6. Inspection: by Forestry of the permitted trees may occur after planting; improperly planted trees or trees that do not meet tree stock requirements must be corrected. The applicant will be notified by the Division of Urban Forestry if correction is needed.
7. Contractors: Contractors planting the trees must provide a copy of Liability Insurance and add city of cleveland as additional insured 

Tree Preservation

Permits for development related tree removals on private property are subject to review by the Division of Urban Forestry.

1. Tree Preservation Ordinance: Review Ordinance No. 1121-18 of the City of Cleveland Codified Ordinance to ensure compliance
2. Tree Replacement: Trees must be replaced at a one-to-one rate.
3. Tree Protection Measures: must include protection of roots and soil following Best Management Practices (BMP) and ANSI standards for arboriculture.
4. Additional Requirements: Additional information than that requested in the application may be required by the Commissioner or designee to ensure compliance.

Tree Protection

1. City Permitting: Tree protection permits for excavation work in the right of way must often be issued in conjunction with other City permits from the Division of Construction and Engineering. Permittees agree that they have received the proper permitting from other City divisions prior to starting work under this permit. 
2. Underground Utilities Must Be Located: by the permittee prior to excavation by contacting the Ohio Utility Protection Service (OUPS) at 811 prior to beginning work. This is a free service.

Stump Removal

Stumps/roots must be removed to a depth of at least 8 inches below ground level and the hole refilled with topsoil. Underground utilities must be located prior to stump or root removal by calling the Ohio Utility Protection Service (OUPS) at 811. This is a free service.

THE FOLLOWING TREE WORK ON PUBLIC PROPERTY MUST BE COMPLETED BY A LICENSED TREE CONTRACTOR

The applicant to whom the permit is issued is responsible for the disposal of all tree waste generated by the trimming or removal of the public trees, stumps, and roots.

Removals

Trees on public property are removed to promote public safety and mitigate unsound or damaged tree structure. In most cases, the removal of trees that provide value to the urban landscape and benefit the community will not be approved.

1. Tree Removals: on public land must include stump removal, see Stump Removal above.
2. Additional Requirements: Contractors must hold current workers compensation certificate and a minimum of 1 million dollars in professional liability insurance at the time of conducting work on trees on public property and must provide proof to Urban Forestry upon request. Contractors removing trees must provide a copy of Liability Insurance and add city of Cleveland as additional insured

Pruning

Public boulevard trees are pruned to promote proper tree structure, to allow for pedestrian and vehicle access, and to remove dead, and damaged wood.

1. Pruning: of public trees must be conducted by ISA Certified Arborists and meet current ANSI A300 arboricultural standards and appropriate tools must be used to ensure that all cuts are clean and without torn bark. Prune only to remove damaged, weakened, and diseased branches; to reduce weight on lateral limbs; or to improve the structure of the tree. Remove the least desirable of any crossing or rubbing branches. Topping, lions tailing, and pollarding are not allowed practices.

Timing: for pruning must follow recommended pruning schedules to reduce the spread of insects and disease. Oak and elm, should only be pruned November through March while trees are dormant. If pruning must occur outside of this period, then oak and elm tree wounds must be painted from April 1st to first frost

1. Lower Limbs: should be removed to allow for 8 feet of clearance over sidewalk and 14 feet over roadways.
2. Additional Requirements: Contractors must hold current workers compensation certificate and a minimum of 1 million dollars in professional liability insurance at the time of conducting work on trees on public property and must provide proof to Urban Forestry upon request. Contractors removing trees must provide a copy of Liability Insurance and add city of Cleveland as additional insured

Annual Utility

1. Reporting Requirements: Permit holders shall maintain accurate records of all prospective and completed tree-related work performed under the annual permit. Such records shall be submitted to the Division of Urban Forestry upon request, or at intervals established by the Division. The Division may require submission of project-specific tree lists, work logs, or other documentation necessary to verify compliance with permit conditions.
2. Right of Way: All work under annual utility permits within the right of way are subject to Chapter 510 of the City of Cleveland Codified ordinances including outlined remedies for adversely affecting public trees, improper pruning or removal of public trees, and causing a tree to fall into decline or death.
3. Private Property: Annual utility permits may include work on private properties of 1 acre or larger in which case Section 341 may also be applicable for submittals.