The City of Rehoboth Beach values its lush tree canopy and our wooded seaside character. To protect the community’s urban forest, a permit is required from the City of Rehoboth Beach before removing a tree from private property.
In addition, approval is required from the Parks & Shade Tree Commission to prune, plant, or remove a tree on public property. Contractors performing demolition, addition/renovation, or new construction work are required to provide an arborist’s report and submit a tree protection plan.
Private property owners whose tree removal request is not related to a construction project or building permit should follow these steps to apply for a tree removal permit.
Applying for a Tree Removal Permit Steps
- Select a contractor and make sure the company is licensed to work in the City of Rehoboth Beach.
- Fill out a tree removal application.
- Attach a tree map, indicating which tree is to be removed.
- Include a contractor’s estimate.
- Note on the application who will pick up and pay for the permit.
- Submit all materials above in person or via email or the U.S. postal service to the building and licensing department.
What’s next?
- Upon receipt of a completed application, the city arborist will inspect your tree to see if it qualifies for removal.
- If the answer is yes, the arborist will notify the applicant of any replanting requirements. In general, removed trees must be replaced.
- However, if you have a few large trees or several smaller trees, you may be exempt from the replacement requirement.
- If there are no other trees on your lot, you may be required to plant more than one tree.
- If you must replace the tree, the city arborist will email you the specific requirements for your lot.
- This may include an approved tree list, size guidelines, and location requirements.
- The residential planting plan should be emailed back to the city arborist.
- After receipt of the planting plan (if required), the city will notify the applicant that the pending permit is ready for pickup. This email will include the total fees due and pickup instructions. Work may not start until the permit is paid for, picked up, and visibly posted on the jobsite.
- The whole approval process requires about two weeks.
- New replacement trees must be planted within a six-month period. When work is complete, please notify the city arborist. You also may include a photo of the new tree.
- If the work completed complies with the original plan and conditions of the permit, your permit will be closed out.
- If you do not notify the city within the six-month time frame, the city arborist will conduct an inspection to verify the planting.
- If it is not in compliance, you will be issued a notice to correct any deficiencies within 60 days.