Contractors Corner

Rules and Regulations

Below is information to help local tree contractors understand when they need a right of way permit for tree work that may involve either working in or causing obstruction of the right of way.

When do I need a permit?

Anytime the soil/earth is disturbed in the space between the sidewalk and the street, a permit is required—for example, planting a tree or tree removal. In addition, potentially hazardous work such as tree pruning may also require a permit if a road lane is blocked due to tree removal equipment or vehicles. If you are unsure if you need a permit, call the City Engineers office at 807-1050.

How much is the permit?

• Removing a dead or dying tree: $75.00 if the tree is not replaced. No fee if the tree is replaced.

• Planting a tree: A permit is required but there is no fee. Both the permit and tree species must be approved by the City Forester.

• Pruning a tree: A permit is required but there is no fee. The permit must be approved by the City Forester.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS A PERMIT FOR REVIEW BY THE CITY FORESTER.

Do I need to be licensed in the City of Lafayette to perform tree work in the right of way?

Yes. There is a $25 annual license fee to perform tree work in the right of way, regardless if you are a certified arborist or not. If you are not a certified arborist, an appointment with the City Forester is necessary to determine if you are qualified to work on city trees. Please note that being licensed is not the same thing as being certified.

Click here to view the tree license application.

For more information on becoming a certified arborist, click on the link below:

http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/becomecertified/index.aspx

What are the benefits of being licensed?

The benefits of being licensed by the city allows the City Forester to share your name and company to interested residential and commercial property owners who may be interested in hiring a tree worker.

Is there other paperwork required for right of way tree work?

Yes. All contractors that work in the city right of way are required by ordinance to carry liability insurance and a bond certificate and show proof of those documents on an annual basis. Liability insurance for tree work must be a minimum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) for bodily injury or death with the limit of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) and fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) for property damage indemnifying the city from any person injured or damage resulting from tree work in the right of way. A surety of $10,000 (minimum) is also required from your insurance company.

Interested in the Tree Ordinance? Click here to download a copy.