Tree Preservation

The City of Lakeville adopted a new tree preservation ordinance in August 2025 that developers and builders will be required to follow.  The purpose of this ordinance is to increase the protection and preservation of trees and encourage a thoughtful approach to development of wooded areas. The ordinance will apply to the following types of development regardless of zoning district:

  1. New development at the time of application for subdivision approval.
  2. New development requiring site plan approval.
  3. Application for building permit for infill development involving new single family or two-family (duplex) construction on a vacant lot of record.
  4. Application for building permit for reconstruction or expansion of an existing residential principal building that enlarges the footprint of the original existing structure on lots equal to or larger than one (1) acre in size not including easements or right of way shall require a tree preservation plan prepared by the property owner or licensed or certified forester, licensed landscape architect, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, or a Registered Consultant Arborist (RCA) preparing the plan for heritage trees located on the lot.
  5. Land disturbing activities as regulated by section 11-16-7.

The ordinance includes the process for submittal of a tree preservation plan, allowed tree removal and tree replacement requirements if removal exceeds thresholds. 

City Forestry staff will review the tree preservation plan for compliance with the ordinance during the development review process. To aid in the preparation of the plan and its review, a worksheet has been prepared to assist applicants with calculating the removal and necessary replacement (if applicable) as part of the tree preservation plan submittal. 

To calculate your plan, please download a copy of this excel spreadsheet.

Calculate Your Plan

When considering planting replacement trees or fulfilling other landscaping requirements please reference the City of Lakeville Building Permit Final Grade Landscape Guidelines for a list of approved tree species. For more information reference Landscape Guidelines FAQs.