Tree Removal Permit Requirements in Humble, TX
CORRECTION: AHJ changed from Harris County to the City of Humble. Inside Humble city limits the City of Humble Building & Inspection Department (114 W. Higgins St, Chief Building Official Ray Pearson, 281-446-6228) is the correct AHJ; Harris County's Office of the County Engineer Permits Division regulates only unincorporated areas. Texas has no statewide residential code; Humble adopted the 2018 IRC (Code of Ordinances Ch. 4, Art. 4.02) plus 2018 IBC/IPC/IMC/IFC, 2017 NEC, and 2018 Energy Code. Permits filed via the iWorq portal, though most plan-review permits must be submitted in person. Residential fees from the official Oct 1, 2024 fee schedule: Building Permit $50.00 + $0.32/sq ft of roof-covered floor space; Fence $50.00 + $1.00/25 LF; Electrical $50-$150; Plumbing $50-$100.
By Joey, Founder · Last verified May 31, 2026 · How we research →
When you need a Tree Removal permit
Inside the City of Humble, removing a protected or public tree may require a tree-removal permit under the City's tree-preservation ordinance; trees in the public right-of-way are City-managed. Removing a typical non-protected tree on private property usually does not require a building permit, but you should confirm whether the tree is protected before removal. Contact the City of Humble for the applicable tree ordinance and any fee.
Tree Removal Permit Costs: Humble vs. Nearby
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Humble | N/A |
| Houston | $50 – $400 |
| San Antonio | $25 – $500 |
| Dallas | $25 – $500 |
Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Humble permit costs →
Zoning & HOA Considerations
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.
If you live in an HOA community: hOAs commonly regulate tree removal, particularly for front-yard trees and specimen trees. Even where city law permits removal, HOA approval may be required.
Estimated Project Timeline
Here's a typical timeline for a tree removal project:
Timeline is based on the typical about 1 week permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the 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 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.
Typical approval time for Tree Removal permits is about 1 week. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
If you live in an HOA community, you may need architectural review approval in addition to a building permit. HOA rules and city building codes are separate, you may need to satisfy both. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your HOA's architectural review committee before starting work.
Learn More About Tree Removal Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Tree Removal Guide →