You’ve decided a tree on your property needs to come down. Before you call a tree service, you need to understand permit requirements along Connecticut’s shoreline. The rules here can be complicated because wetlands, watercourses, and public trees all fall under different regulations.
Wetlands Control Most Private Property Tree Removal
Each town’s municipal inland wetlands agency regulates activities that affect inland wetlands and watercourses within their municipal boundaries pursuant to the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act. Along the shoreline, wetlands are everywhere. Marshes, streams, and coastal areas create buffer zones where you need permission before removing trees.
Towns regulate activities in designated areas surrounding wetlands and watercourses, described as review, setback, or buffer areas. These buffer zones typically extend 50 to 100 feet from the wetland edge. If your tree sits within this zone, you’ll need a permit from your town’s inland wetlands commission.
In Branford, anyone found conducting regulated activities without a permit or violating conditions of an issued permit can face enforcement action in the form of a Notice of Violation, Cease and Correct Order, and fines of up to $1,000 per day. Other shoreline towns have similar penalties.
The application process takes time. If a wetland permit is required, the process can take a month or more. You’ll need to submit site plans showing the tree’s location and its distance from wetlands. Many homeowners need to hire a soil scientist to identify and flag wetland boundaries, which costs several hundred dollars but provides accurate information about where regulated areas actually sit.
Old Saybrook Has Strict River Protection Rules
Old Saybrook goes beyond standard wetlands protection. The removal of trees and other vegetation within the 100-foot riparian buffer is prohibited with limited exceptions, and review of a tree cutting plan is required for properties in the Gateway Conservation Zone for areas visible from the Connecticut River.
This means if your property sits along the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook, removing healthy trees requires commission approval to protect the scenic character of the riverfront. Dead or hazardous trees can typically be removed with proper documentation, but healthy trees face much stricter review.
Tree Wardens Control Public Trees
Connecticut law requires every town to appoint a tree warden who manages all trees on public property and within town rights of way. This matters because the tree in your front yard near the street might actually be a public tree under the tree warden’s control.
In Milford, any public street tree must be posted by the Tree Warden at least 10 days prior to removal. The warden posts a brightly colored notice on the tree, and neighbors can object to the removal within seven business days. If someone objects, a public hearing gets scheduled.
According to Milford’s tree ordinance, removing any tree without legal right or written permission from the tree warden will result in various fines, including the cost of the tree removal as well as the cost of repairing the affected area, plus legal fees and civil penalties.
The right of way extends several feet from the road edge on each side, varying by location. You might need a survey to determine whether your tree falls under town jurisdiction. Any tree trunk sitting within the right of way, or any tree with branches overhanging the road, requires the tree warden’s approval before you can touch it.
When You Don’t Need Permits
Dead or immediately dangerous trees usually don’t require permits before removal. If a tree is actively falling, split and leaning toward your house, or clearly dead with branches about to drop, you can act to protect your property. Save photos and documentation in case the town questions the removal later.
Trees well away from wetlands and outside the town right of way typically don’t need permits. If your tree sits in the middle of your backyard far from any water features or roads, you probably have the right to remove it without permission.
Emergency storm damage gets handled differently. When a hurricane knocks a tree onto your house, nobody expects you to wait weeks for permit approval. However, notify your town about emergency removals as soon as practical.
Working With Professionals
Professional tree companies working regularly on the shoreline understand local permit requirements. A good company will discuss permits during the initial consultation and can often tell you whether your specific situation needs approval.
However, getting permits remains your responsibility as the property owner, not the tree service’s job. Make sure you have all necessary approvals before work begins. Your tree company might be willing to help with the application process, but they won’t be liable if you skip required permits.
Getting Started
Before removing any tree, contact your town’s conservation department or inland wetlands agency. Ask whether your property contains wetlands or falls within buffer zones. Request a meeting to discuss your specific situation
Also contact your town’s public works department or tree warden to determine whether the tree falls under their jurisdiction. This call takes five minutes and could save you thousands in fines.
Most towns maintain wetland maps you can view online or at the town hall. These maps show approximate wetland locations but aren’t precise enough for permitting. Consider them a screening tool to determine whether you need to hire a professional soil scientist for accurate wetland delineation.
Give yourself adequate time. Between identifying wetlands, preparing applications, scheduling commission meetings, and waiting for decisions, the permit process can take six to eight weeks. Don’t wait until a tree emergency forces you to act quickly.