Maintaining our existing tree canopy is vital to the well-being of our community, but sometimes trees need to be taken down.
If you need to remove a tree on your property, you will need to apply for a Tree Removal Permit. Removed trees must be replaced on an "inch-for-inch" basis. For example, if you remove a 6" DBH tree, you could replace it with two 3" DBH trees. Be sure to provide information on your tree replacement plan when you fill out the Tree Removal Permit. You can apply for a Tree Removal Permit here. Permits take approximately 14 business days to be approved.
To learn more about the specifics of what types of tree removal need a permit and what tree removals require replacement, please see the Tree Preservation and Landscape Ordinance. This ordinance was designed to preserve Waukegan's Urban Forest, minimize erosion and stormwater runoff, and preserve historic streetscapes, in addition to providing landscaping buffers between properties and minimizing the environmental and visual impacts of paved surfaces and buildings.