The Application Review Process and Appeal Process
If you believe a roadside tree is a hazard, or if you are replacing
or maintaining community street trees as part of an overall plan, you
should apply for a roadside tree permit before any tree care work is
performed.
A request must be made to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service office in the County
where the tree exists. Request must include location (street address)
of tree or grouped trees, property owner(s) name and address, the type
of tree care requested and why. If the proposed tree care is due to a
building permit, please include a site plan.
If the roadside tree straddles two properties, both owners must sign
the same application. The actual submittal (& fee) can be
accomplished by an agent of the owner (ie: Licensed Tree Expert) at the
owner's expense.
The Application Review Process / Appeal Process
After the application form, fee and site plan (if applicable) have
been received by the local Project Office, the review process will be as
follows:
- A Forest Ranger will complete an on-site examination of the tree(s)
to determine if the proposed tree care is necessary and/or to approve,
modify, or deny the application as appropriate.
- The Forest Ranger will contact you if additional information or modification is required.
- If the application is approved, the permit will be mailed or emailed to the address provided on the application form.
- If the application is denied, a denial letter will be mailed explaining the decision and the appeal process.
Upon approval, the permit will be mailed or emailed to the
applicant's address shown on the application. After the permit is
issued, the applicant may proceed with the work; however, the roadside
tree law does not convey tree ownership to the Maryland Department of
Natural Resources (DNR). Permission from the owner of the tree or trees
in question (State Highway Administration, county department of
transportation, county or city department of public works, etc.) must
also be obtained prior to beginning any work. Work on the tree or trees
in question without permission of the owner may be considered a trespass
by the owner of the tree or trees despite possession of a valid permit
from the DNR. The tree expert must have a copy of the permit on site
while work is being performed. Permits are valid for one year from date
of issuance. If work is not done within one year, a new inspection and
permit is necessary.
The Department of Natural Resources is the permitting agency but does
not perform the tree work. The department will notify the local
jurisdiction that the permit has been issued. Local tree care
involvement varies per town and county, and if customary, the county or
municipal government will schedule the work to be done. Upon receipt of
the permit, the homeowner may hire a Licensed Tree Expert to perform the
work allowed per the permit.
If your application is denied and you wish to appeal, you must make a
written request for a reevaluation of the application. This request
must be made within 10 working days of notification of permit denial.
The request must be in the form of a letter which clearly notes
additional circumstances not previously known or included in the
original application that warrant a reevaluation and be attached to the
denied application. The request should be addressed to the Department of
Natural Resources Project Manager, as shown on the application. The
Project Manager will respond in writing to the applicant listed on the
application.