Do you need a permit to cut down a tree in Lago Vista, TX? Enter your address for Lago Vista tree removal and pruning rules, size thresholds and how to apply.
A permit is needed to remove any protected tree: any tree except Ashe juniper with a trunk 10"+ measured 40" above ground. Exceptions: removal the City determines is needed to stop oak wilt or other disease, or a public-safety hazard. Removing without a permit doubles the per-inch fee. Stumps must be removed within 60 days.
How to apply: Apply to Lago Vista Development Services for a Protected Tree Removal Permit (tree survey required; fees per the Fee Ordinance).
Texas law: cities cannot charge a tree mitigation fee for a tree under 10" at an existing one- or two-family home you live in (Local Gov't Code §212.905, HB 7, 2017). Since 2023, landowners can petition to leave a city's ETJ (SB 2038), so ETJ lines change; we read the live City of Austin jurisdiction map.
Official sources: lagovistatexas.gov/Archive/ViewFile/Item/498