Public Space Tree Permit

Anyone, whether resident or contractor, who plants, prunes or removes a public street tree within the Public Right-of-Way must first obtain permission from the Department of Transportation's Urban Forestry Administration (UFA).

1. Submit your permit request through the Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS) on the web or go to the Public Space Permit Office and use one of the kiosks located in the hall on the second floor adjacent to the permit office, which is located at:
   
   District Department of Transportation
   Planning Policy and Sustainability Administration
   Public Space Permit Branch
   1100 4th Street SW
   Washington, DC 20024
   
   Hours:
   8:30 am to 4:15 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
   9:30 am to 4:30 pm on Thursday
   
   
2. Once UFA has received notice of the permit application, it is assigned to the appropriate arborist who will review submitted site plans and other materials and may schedule a site visit to verify the extent of the type of work requested.
   
   
3. The assigned arborist will make the necessary decisions regarding the application.
   
   Note: The Urban Forestry Administration reserves the right to deny any and all public space permits that relate to or impact public trees.

Please be aware of the following permitting requirements:

• All pruning of public trees should follow current ISA ANSI Z133.1 Safety Standards for Pruning. See related documents below, courtesy of
  www.isa-arbor.com.
  
  
• Installing electrical conduits, outlets, and/or junction boxes within tree box spaces is not permitted by UFA due to negative impacts on tree health, public safety, and long term tree removal and tree replacement issues. Installing electrical systems requires a Public Space ‘electrical wiring’ permit (available through the Permits Office kiosk) and is subject to UFA review and discretion.
  
  
• Public Space Permits will require a traffic control plan.
  
  
• ATTENTION: BEFORE ANY DIGGING OCCURS, YOU SHOULD TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO AVOID INJURY OR UTILITY CONFLICTS. CALL MISS UTILITY AT (800) 257-7777 BEFORE ANY EXCAVATION.

Service Need

Street tree permits are required for people who plant, prune or remove a public street tree within the Public Right-of-Way to ensure the work is done safely and correctly.

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• Special Tree Permit

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