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Trees in Arlington County, VA

No permit is needed to remove a tree on a single-family lot outside an RPA. Heritage and specimen tree protections (County Code § 67-7) reach a single-family lot only if the owner agreed to the designation.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Arlington County before you build.

The details

  • A designated tree can be removed only when the County Board finds overriding public need or severe hardship.High confidence
  • In an RPA, tree removal needs county review.High confidence

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Common questions

Can I take down a tree on my own lot in Arlington County?
No permit is needed to remove a tree on a single-family lot outside an RPA. Heritage and specimen tree protections (County Code § 67-7) reach a single-family lot only if the owner agreed to the designation.

Sources

  1. Arlington County Code Ch. 2 (Animals and Fowl), Ch. 60 (Erosion and Stormwater), Ch. 67 (Trees and Shrubs); Zoning Ordinance § 12.7.1 (agriculture). Checked 2026-10-21
    [§ 2-2] It shall be unlawful for the owner, possessor or manager of any fowl to permit the same to go upon and trespass upon the lands... owned, occupied or leased by any other person. [ACZO § 12.7.1] any livestock or poultry shall be kept in a building, st…
  2. Arlington County, Resource Protection Area (RPA) and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance. Checked 2026-10-21
    [RPA review is required for] new or replaced fences and retaining walls; new paved surfaces, including gravel; decks, sheds, and pergolas; removing trees 3 inches or more in diameter... [A CBORC exception is required for] increasing impervious cover in the …

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.