Tree Preservation
In August 1999 the Village passed a comprehensive Tree Preservation Ordinance. This Ordinance was further amended on March 19, 2001, Ordinance No. 01-21.
The amended Ordinance classifies as protected and regulates all trees 6-inches or larger in diameter at 4.5 feet off the ground (DBH-diameter at breast height) in the entire yard.
For further information or guidance please contact Mark Cacioppo at 847-272-5050 ext. 4215.
Tree Preservation Landmark and Heritage Trees
The Ordinance further protects trees that meet Landmark and Heritage classifications.
Landmark trees (Municipal Code 25-2-g) include all trees as listed below with a diameter (DBH) of 12 inches or more, as indicated, except where a smaller DBH is indicated:
Deciduous Trees: Basswood, Black Walnut, Buckeye, Ginkgo (Male), Hickory (6" DBH), Ironwood (6" DBH), Kentucky Coffee tree, Norway Maple (including Schwedler and Crimson King), Oak (8" DBH, including bebb, bur, chinquapin, english, pin, red, sawtooth, shingle, swamp white and white), Red Maple, Sugar Maple and White Ash.
Coniferous Trees: Bald Cypress, Cedar (Red and White-single stem tree form only), Dawn Redwood, Fir, Spruce (including Colorado, Green, Norway, White) and White Pine.
Construction:
When applying for a building permit, you are required to submit a drawing showing the location of all existing trees 6-inches or larger, that are located on or near the property that will be affected by the construction activity and a legend referencing the DBH, genus and species, and general condition of these trees. This information should also be reflected on the on the Tree Preservation Data Sheet.
If there are tree removals required for your project, a tree removal worksheet will need to be submitted as part of your application. Our Tree Preservation Officer or representative will evaluate the lot where you will be building. A separate permit will be issued for any tree removal you require. If the permit is issued conditionally, it will carry a replacement guarantee or fee in lieu of replanting for the trees you are removing.
Tree removals done without obtaining a permit will be subject to a $250 working without a permit fee as called for in the Village’s annual fee ordinance.
As indicated in Northbrook Municipal Code (25-14), your building permit may require you to install and maintain 4' tall, wood slat snow or chain link fence. Snow or chain link fence is to be secured to wood or metal posts spaced a maximum of 6' apart.
Tree Protection Detail
As part of the tree preservation review, notification will be given if protective fencing, root pruning or augering will be required for any trees around the new building, along access routes for construction vehicles or on any neighboring properties. After all tree preservation measures have been implemented, inspected and approved, the tree preservation portion of the permit is signed off.
Tree Preservation Guidelines for Contractors
For any work being done within a Village right-of-way, near any Village owned tree, Public Works will need to be contacted at 847-272-4711 to determine if any special measures will need to be taken to protect those trees or if any monies will need to be collected to ensure those trees remain undamaged.
Tree Removal:
If you would like to remove tree from your property, a tree removal permit is required for any tree over six inches in diameter. Tree removal permits are required no matter what the condition of the tree, although replacement is not required if they are dead, diseased or hazardous. If you are requesting to remove a healthy tree and all required conditions per ordinance have been met, a permit will be issued. If required conditions per ordinance have not been met a conditional permit will be issued that carries with it either a replanting guarantee or a fee in lieu of replanting. There are currently no fees for submitting a tree removal application.
Hazardous trees that pose an immediate threat can be removed after regular business hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) without a permit in emergency situations under the condition that you notify the Tree Preservation office the following business day and document the condition of the tree with photos or video prior to removal.
Tree removals done without obtaining a permit will be subject to a $250 working without a permit fee as called for in the Village’s annual fee ordinance.
List of Nuisance and Replacement Trees
TREE PRESERVATION BULLETINS: