District Of Columbia § 8-651.04a(Perm) - Protection of Heritage Trees.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 8-651.04a(Perm) — Protection of Heritage Trees., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8-651.04a(Perm). Protection of Heritage Trees.
8-651.04a(Perm)*NOTE: This codification is the most current. To see the current law, click this link *
It shall be unlawful for any person or entity, including the District government, without a Heritage Tree removal permit issued by the Mayor, to top, cut down, remove, girdle, break, or destroy any Heritage Tree.
The Mayor shall issue a Heritage Tree removal permit under this section where the applicant has:
Shown that the Heritage Tree in question is a Hazardous Tree; or
Shown that the Heritage Tree in question is of a species that has been identified, by regulation, as appropriate for removal.
The Mayor may issue a Heritage Tree removal permit under this section where the applicant has averred in the Heritage Tree removal permit application that the applicant will relocate and replant, in compliance with any applicable regulations, the Heritage Tree to an identified new location within the District, without significant harm to the tree; provided, that it shall be a violation of subsection (a) of this section if a Heritage Tree that is relocated and replanted pursuant to this paragraph dies within 3 years of replanting.
A violation of subsection (a) of this section, or a failure to comply with the conditions contained in a Heritage Tree removal permit, shall constitute a violation subject to a fine of not less than $300 per each inch of the circumference of the Heritage Tree in question.
The Mayor may increase the fine described in subsection (c) of this section by regulation.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 8-651.04a(Perm)
What does D.C. Code § 8-651.04a(Perm) cover?
Section 8-651.04a(Perm) ("Protection of Heritage Trees.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 8-651.04a(Perm)?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 8-651.04a(Perm)" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 8-651.04a(Perm) apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.