March 22, 2026
Whether you need a permit to remove a tree in the Lehigh Valley depends almost entirely on where the tree is located, not just whose property it’s on.
In general, Pennsylvania does not regulate private property tree removal at the state level. But both the City of Allentown and the City of Bethlehem have active shade tree ordinances that govern trees in the public right-of-way, and both cities require permits for any work on those trees. For trees entirely on private property, neither city currently requires a homeowner permit for routine residential removal, though other triggers can apply.
This guide breaks it down specifically for Allentown, Bethlehem, and Allentown Township homeowners.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania state law does not require permits for most private residential tree removals.
- Both the City of Allentown and the City of Bethlehem require permits for any work on street trees in the public right-of-way, including removal.
- In Allentown, street tree work must also be performed by a City-licensed ISA-certified tree contractor.
- In Bethlehem, the city’s Shade Tree Ordinance (Article 910) governs street trees and public area trees, with permit and notification requirements.
- Allentown Township (Lehigh County) does not maintain the same permit framework as the cities — always confirm current requirements with the Township directly.
- Land development, subdivision activity, or trees within a conservation or historic overlay zone can trigger permit requirements even on private property.
- When in doubt, a quick call to the relevant Public Works or Planning department is faster than paying a fine.
Pennsylvania State Law: No Permit Required for Most Private Removals
The starting point for every Lehigh Valley homeowner is this: Pennsylvania does not regulate tree removal on private residential property at the state level. There is no statewide permit required to cut down a tree in your own backyard.
State regulations primarily address commercial timber harvesting, the removal of trees from state-owned land (governed by the PA Fish and Boat Commission under Title 58, Chapter 53.17), and erosion and sediment control during land development. For the average homeowner removing a dead or hazardous tree, no state-level permit applies.
What does apply is local ordinance, and that varies meaningfully across municipalities.
City of Allentown: What the Ordinance Actually Requires
Street Trees and the Right-of-Way
The City of Allentown has a robust shade tree program governed by Shade Tree Ordinance No. 14863 and the broader Chapter 597 (Trees) of the City Code, most recently updated in April 2024.
A permit is required for any work on trees in the public right-of-way. This includes removal, stump grinding, major pruning, and planting. The right-of-way typically includes the tree lawn or parkway strip between the curb and sidewalk, the sidewalk itself, and the roadway edge. That strip of grass between the curb and your sidewalk with the tree growing out of it? That tree is almost certainly a public street tree, and you need a city permit to touch it.
In addition to the permit, Allentown requires that all work on public right-of-way trees be performed by a City-licensed ISA-certified tree contractor. The city maintains and publishes a list of approved contractors through the Department of Public Works. The homeowner cannot simply hire any tree service for this work.
When a street tree is removed with a permit, the city requires replacement planting within six months. Failure to replant can result in the city performing the work and billing the adjacent property owner for all costs.
Permits are issued through the Department of Public Works at 641 S. 10th Street, Allentown, PA 18103 (Phone: 610-437-7574). Permit applications are also available on the City of Allentown website.
Private Property Trees in Allentown
The City of Allentown’s Department of Public Works explicitly states that it does not regulate tree services performed on private property. For a tree that is fully within your yard, away from the right-of-way, no city-level permit is required for standard residential removal.
However, two situations can change that:
Land development or subdivision. Any tree removal connected to a land development or subdivision application in Allentown is subject to tree preservation review and may require compliance with the city’s tree replacement requirements.
Trees near or overhanging the right-of-way. The boundary between private property and the public right-of-way is not always obvious. If you are unsure whether your tree or its canopy is within the right-of-way, contact Public Works at 610-437-7574 before any work begins.
City of Bethlehem: What the Ordinance Actually Requires
Shade Tree Ordinance Article 910
The City of Bethlehem operates under Shade Tree Ordinance Article 910, which governs the planting, maintenance, removal, and permitting of trees on public property and within public rights-of-way. The Urban Forestry Bureau within the Department of Public Works manages all tree-related activity on public property, oversees permitting, and reviews land development plans for tree compliance.
Like Allentown, Bethlehem requires a permit for any removal or significant work on street trees in the public right-of-way. The city also has a street tree permit application process, and work requires coordination with the Urban Forestry Bureau.
Bethlehem’s ordinance also includes a notification provision: the city must provide at least 10 days’ written notice to any property owner directly adjoining a scheduled tree removal or planting in the public right-of-way. This notification requirement can be waived in emergency situations, such as a tree struck by lightning that is blocking a road or posing an immediate hazard.
For non-emergency situations where a tree is creating a hazard, property owners are typically given 30 days to address the issue before the city intervenes. If immediate action is required (true emergencies), the city can act without the standard notice period.
For permitting questions, contact Bethlehem’s Bureau of Urban Forestry through the Department of Public Works, 10 E. Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 (Phone: 610-865-7000).
Private Property Trees in Bethlehem
Similar to Allentown, Bethlehem’s shade tree ordinance focuses on public property and the right-of-way, not private residential tree removal. A standard removal of a tree entirely on your private property generally does not require a city permit.
That said, the city’s Urban Forestry Bureau does review all land development plans and can impose tree requirements on development projects. Historic district properties and properties within designated overlay zones may also carry additional review requirements through Planning and Zoning.
If you have any uncertainty about your property’s status or the location of the right-of-way, contact Bethlehem’s Planning and Zoning office or call the Department of Public Works directly before scheduling work.
Allentown Township (Lehigh County): A Different Framework
It’s worth distinguishing clearly: Allentown Township in Lehigh County is an entirely separate municipality from the City of Allentown. The two share a name but not a government, a municipal code, or the same ordinance structure.
Allentown Township does not have the same ISA contractor licensing requirement or the permit framework that the City of Allentown maintains for street trees. However, like all Pennsylvania municipalities, Allentown Township has zoning regulations and may have shade tree provisions or subdivision and land development requirements that affect tree removal in certain contexts.
Because township-level codes are more variable and can change without the same level of public visibility as city ordinances, homeowners in Allentown Township should contact the Township directly before removing trees that are near any road, right-of-way, or development plan. The Township’s contact information is available through Lehigh County’s municipality directory.
When a Permit Might Be Required Regardless of Municipality
Even where no routine permit requirement exists for private tree removal, several specific circumstances can change that across the Lehigh Valley:
Land development or subdivision activity. If you are dividing a lot, building a new structure, or otherwise triggering a land development review, tree removal associated with that activity may require compliance with your municipality’s tree preservation or replacement requirements.
Historic or conservation overlay districts. Some neighborhoods in Allentown and Bethlehem fall within historic preservation overlays or conservation zones that carry additional review requirements for significant alterations to a property, including tree removal.
HOA rules. Homeowners associations can and often do impose their own tree removal restrictions independent of municipal ordinances. Check your HOA documents before any tree work.
Trees in or near floodplains. Removing trees near streams, wetlands, or within designated floodplains may require review under state or federal environmental regulations, including the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law.
Trees straddling a property line. Under Pennsylvania common law, a tree whose trunk crosses a property line is considered jointly owned by both property owners. Neither party can remove it unilaterally. For a detailed overview of Pennsylvania tree law principles, WeConservePA’s Tree Law in Pennsylvania guide is the most thorough publicly available resource.
How to Confirm Before You Cut
The safest approach is a quick verification call before scheduling removal. Here’s who to contact:
- City of Allentown trees: Department of Public Works, 610-437-7574
- City of Bethlehem trees: Bureau of Urban Forestry / Department of Public Works, 610-865-7000
- Allentown Township: Contact the Township office directly via Lehigh County’s municipality listing
- Unsure if a tree is in the right-of-way: Contact your municipality’s Public Works department before doing anything
For any project touching the right-of-way, also call PA One Call (811) before digging or stump grinding to identify underground utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal Permits in the Lehigh Valley
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my backyard in Allentown, PA?
For a tree entirely on your private property, the City of Allentown does not currently require a homeowner permit for standard residential removal. The City’s Department of Public Works explicitly states that it does not regulate tree work performed on private property. Permits and ISA-licensed contractor requirements apply specifically to trees in the public right-of-way. If you are unsure whether your tree is on private property or in the right-of-way, call Public Works at 610-437-7574 before any work begins.
What is the public right-of-way, and why does it matter for tree permits?
The public right-of-way is a strip of land set aside for public use, typically running between the road and private property lines. In most Lehigh Valley neighborhoods, it includes the sidewalk, the curb, the roadway edge, and the planting strip between the curb and sidewalk. Trees growing in that strip, even if they appear to be in front of your house, are public street trees. Both the City of Allentown and the City of Bethlehem require permits for any work on these trees. The City of Allentown’s shade tree permit documentation explains this boundary in detail.
Does Bethlehem PA require a permit to remove a tree?
The City of Bethlehem requires a permit for removing or performing major work on street trees within the public right-of-way, governed by Shade Tree Ordinance Article 910. For trees entirely on private residential property with no connection to a land development, a city-level removal permit is not generally required. Contact Bethlehem’s Department of Public Works at 610-865-7000 or the Bureau of Urban Forestry to confirm the status of any specific tree before proceeding.
What happens if I remove a street tree in Allentown without a permit?
Removing a street tree in Allentown’s public right-of-way without a permit is a violation of Shade Tree Ordinance No. 14863 and Article 597 of the City Code. Violations can result in fines. The ordinance also includes a mandatory replacement requirement: trees removed with a permit must be replaced within six months, and the city can perform and bill for that planting if the owner fails to comply. Unpermitted removal adds liability on top of that. For guidance on permit violations and homeowner rights, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers general forestry guidance, and your municipality’s code office handles enforcement.
Can I cut down a tree in Allentown myself, or does it require a licensed contractor?
For a tree on your private property in Allentown, there is no city requirement that a licensed contractor perform the work, though professional removal is strongly advisable for large or hazardous trees. For public right-of-way trees, however, work must be performed by a City-licensed ISA-certified tree contractor. The City of Allentown publishes an approved contractor list through the Department of Public Works. Homeowners cannot obtain a street tree permit and then hire an unlicensed crew to perform the work.
Is Allentown Township the same as the City of Allentown for tree permit purposes?
No. Allentown Township (in Lehigh County) and the City of Allentown are separate municipalities with separate governments and ordinances. The City of Allentown’s permit requirements, ISA contractor licensing, and shade tree commission do not apply to Allentown Township. Township homeowners should contact Allentown Township directly for any questions about local tree regulations. The Lehigh County municipality directory lists contact information for all Lehigh County municipalities.
What is an ISA-certified arborist, and why does Allentown require one for street trees?
An ISA-certified arborist is a tree care professional who has passed a comprehensive exam administered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and maintains their credential through ongoing education. The ISA certification is the leading professional credential in the tree care industry. Allentown requires that an ISA-certified arborist perform or supervise all work on public right-of-way trees to ensure that city-owned trees are handled according to current industry standards and that contractors carry the appropriate licensing, insurance, and workers’ compensation coverage.
What is the PA One Call (811) system, and when do I need to use it?
PA One Call, reached by dialing 811, is the statewide underground utility notification service. Before digging into the ground or grinding a stump anywhere in Pennsylvania, you are required by state law to notify One Call so that buried utility lines can be located and marked. The City of Allentown’s street tree permit documentation explicitly requires a PA One Call number before stump grinding in the right-of-way. This requirement applies statewide regardless of municipality. Learn more at Pennsylvania One Call System.
Do HOA rules affect whether I need a permit to remove a tree?
Yes, independently of municipal ordinances. Homeowners’ associations can impose their own restrictions on tree removal within a development, and those rules are enforceable through your HOA agreement, regardless of what the city or township requires. Some HOAs require written approval before any tree is removed, regardless of size or condition. Review your HOA covenants and contact your association board before scheduling any tree work if you live in an HOA community.
What if a tree is on the property line between my yard and my neighbor’s?
Under Pennsylvania common law, a tree whose trunk physically straddles the property line is considered jointly owned by both property owners. Neither owner can remove it without the other’s consent. If you attempt removal without your neighbor’s agreement, you may face legal liability. The WeConservePA Tree Law in Pennsylvania guide provides detailed guidance on boundary tree disputes based on Pennsylvania case law.
Does Pennsylvania have any statewide tree protection laws for private property?
No broad statewide permit law governs private residential tree removal in Pennsylvania. State regulations primarily address commercial timber harvesting, firewood removal from state lands, and erosion control during land development under Act 167. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) provides guidance on urban and community forestry but does not regulate routine private property removals. Regulation happens at the municipal level, which is why requirements differ significantly between cities, boroughs, and townships across the Lehigh Valley.
Where can I get a tree removal permit in the City of Allentown?
Permit applications are available through the City of Allentown Department of Public Works, 641 S. 10th Street, Allentown, PA 18103, as well as on the City’s website through the Shade Tree Commission page. Applications must be submitted by the legal property owner or a contractor under contract with the owner. Processing takes a minimum of 10 business days. Both the property owner and contractor must have copies of the approved permit before work begins. Permits expire 60 days from the issue date.
Tree Removal Permits in the Lehigh Valley: The Bottom Line
For most Lehigh Valley homeowners, removing a tree from their backyard does not require a permit. The permit requirements that do exist in Allentown and Bethlehem focus on street trees in the public right-of-way, which are regulated to protect the community’s urban canopy.
The practical rule: if the tree is clearly in your yard and nowhere near the road edge or sidewalk strip, you’re likely fine without a permit. If there’s any doubt about whether the tree is in the right-of-way, make one phone call to your municipality’s Public Works department before any work begins. It’s faster and cheaper than dealing with a violation after the fact.
