Tree Removal Permit Requirements in Upton, KY

AHJ resolution: county department (primary Hardin County, with a small portion in LaRue County). Upton is a home rule-class city of ~704 sitting on the Hardin/LaRue County line; the KY Department for Local Government (DLG) lists Upton's primary county as Hardin. The City of Upton (PO Box 213, 270-369-8888, cityofupton@gmail.com, Mayor Austin Sadler) handles municipal business but does not maintain its own building department. Building and electrical permits for the Hardin County portion are issued by the Hardin County Planning & Development Commission (HCPDC); the small LaRue County portion would be served by Land of Lincoln Planning & Zoning Commission (270-358-0830). Building & electrical applications must be submitted in person. Online iWorq portal is restricted to registered electrical contractors. Kentucky Residential Code (2018 KRC) applies statewide.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified May 15, 2026 · How we research →

Population: 704 Code: 2018 Verified: 2026-05-15 1 local rules

When you don’t need a Tree Removal permit in Upton

Exempt·Rule 1

Tree removal permits are typically required for protected/heritage trees on private property, trees in the public right-of-way, and trees over a diameter threshold (commonly 6 to 12 inches DBH) in tree-protection-ordinance cities. Hazardous-tree removal often qualifies for an emergency administrative exemption. To confirm requirements for your specific project in Upton, KY, contact Hardin County Planning & Development Commission at (270) 769-5479. Apply online: https://hardincountyrequest.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/hardincountyrequest.

SourceHardin County Planning & Development Commission — phone (270) 769-5479 · view source

Tree Removal Permit Costs: Upton vs. Nearby

CityEstimated Fee
Upton N/A
Louisville $25 – $500
Lexington $25 – $500
Hardin County $25 – $500

Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Upton permit costs →

Zoning Considerations

Zoning

Many cities protect trees above a certain diameter at breast height (DBH), commonly 6", 12", 19", or 20", and some cities protect specific species (oak, sycamore) regardless of size. Portland, Atlanta, Austin, Seattle, and Los Angeles all have significant tree protection rules. Houston and most of Texas have none.

Estimated Project Timeline in Upton

Here's a typical timeline for a tree removal project in Upton, KY:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings.
Week 2
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to Upton's building department, apply online here.
Week 3-4
Plan review & approval
Processing time varies, contact Upton's building department for current turnaround times.
Week 5+
Construction & inspections
Post the permit card on site. Work begins. Schedule inspections at required stages (varies by project). Final inspection required before closing the permit.

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Building Department Contact

NameHardin County Planning & Development Commission
Address150 N. Provident Way, Suite 225, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
HoursMon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Upton's building department for current Tree Removal permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.

It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Tree Removal projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.

Working without a required permit in Upton can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.

Contact Upton's building department for current processing times. Timelines vary based on project complexity and whether plan review is required.

Learn More About Tree Removal Permits

Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.

Read Tree Removal Guide →

Estimate your permit fees →

Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-05-15. Building permit requirements may change. Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) are separate and vary by location. Always confirm with your local building and planning departments before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.