Before removing a tree on your premises, a Tree Removal Permit Application must be submitted and approved. Application requirements are noted below. All contractors performing the work must obtain a Contractor's Business License from the village before issuance of the permit.

Note: No permit is required for single-family homes or duplex or townhome residential lots with an existing dwelling unit and is owned in fee simple. All other properties including vacant lots require permit approval before trees can be removed.

If you have any questions, please contact the Permitting Division of the Community Development Department at (847) 923-4420.

Current Fee

• $0

Submittal Requirements

The following instructions are presented to help you in preparing your application for tree removal approval for review by the Community Development Department. Failure to supply the required information or consult with the Community Development Department may result in unnecessary delays. In preparing an application, the petitioner should review the Tree Preservation Ordinance to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. A link to the Ordinance has been provided for your review here Tree Preservation Ordinance.

TREE REMOVAL APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING TREES:

• Deciduous trees four (4) inches or greater in diameter.
• Multi-branched trees with an aggregate diameter of eight (8) inches.
• Evergreen trees five (5) feet in height or more.

THE CRITERIA CONSIDERED FOR TREE REMOVAL (one or more of the following must be present):

• Safety hazard to pedestrians, buildings, or vehicular traffic
• Diseased, weakened, or dead trees
• Adherence to good forestry practice and overcrowding
• Invasive species

A Permit is required for:

• Commercial Properties (offices, businesses)
• Common areas located in planned unit development (PUD’s)
• Single-family residential teardowns and replacement
• Vacant parcels

No Permit is required for:

• Single-family homes
• Duplex or townhome residential lots with an existing dwelling unit, owned in fee simple
• Trees located in parkways, see note at the bottom of this page
• Tree trimming shall be completed in accordance with village regulations and forestry standards. Note: trees which are overpruned may be subject to removal, fines and replacements.

THE TREE REMOVAL APPROVAL PROCESS INVOLVES THE FOLLOWING STEPS: 

1. Submittal of a Tree Removal Permit Application. Submit the application at the Permit Counter or by emailing: permits@schaumburg.com.

   a. A property survey, site plan, or aerial map of the tree location(s) shall be included with the application.

   b. Trees located on property within the jurisdiction of a Homeowners' Association or multiple family planned unit development shall require written permission to be submitted with the application from the association and/or property owner.

2. Staff Review and Approval. The application will be reviewed by the Community Development Department within seven (7) days.  An inspection of the subject tree(s) will take place. The applicant will be notified of the approval or denial of the request in within 7-10 business days. If approved, a permit will be issued. Any required replacement of plant material will be noted on the approved permit. Replacement material shall be installed within twelve (12) months of approved removal.

3. Contractors. A Contractor’s Business License is required for any contractors before issuance of the permit. 

4. Call J.U.L.I.E. Before excavating, grading, stump grinding, or any other work below the surface of the ground, the applicant is responsible to notify J.U.L.I.E. 1-800-892-0123 and any other appropriate utilities, in securing location of any underground public utility facilities.

5. Tree Identification Required. All trees shall be identified by a tag or marker indicating the tree number and their location shall be noted on the site plan or map submitted with the application.

6. Follow up Inspections. In cases where replacement material is required, a follow up inspection will be conducted to verify compliance. 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Parkway tree removal (generally located between the street and sidewalk) and pruning requests shall be made to the Engineering & Public Works Department. Dial 311 in Schaumburg or submit a Customer Service Request for all parkway tree removals and pruning requests.