Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Katy TX?
Before you remove a tree, it's worth spending five minutes figuring out whether you need a permit. The answer depends on exactly where your property is located.
Do You Need a Permit?
For most homeowners in the Katy area: probably not — but it depends on your jurisdiction and whether you have an HOA.
The Katy area is famously split between multiple jurisdictions. The City of Katy is actually quite small — only a few square miles. The vast majority of what people call "Katy" falls within unincorporated Fort Bend County or unincorporated Harris County, outside any city limits entirely.
Katy City vs. Unincorporated Fort Bend County
City of Katy
The incorporated City of Katy does have a tree ordinance with permit requirements for removing certain trees. If your property falls within city limits, you may need to obtain a permit before removing a tree above a certain trunk diameter. Contact the City of Katy's Public Works or Development Services department to confirm current requirements.
Unincorporated Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County itself does not have a general residential tree removal ordinance. If your property is in unincorporated Fort Bend County — which includes most of Katy, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Richmond — there is no county-level permit required for residential tree removal. That said, your HOA may be another story entirely.
HOA Approval vs City Permits
If you live in a master-planned community with an active Homeowners Association — and most newer Katy-area developments do — your HOA likely has its own tree removal rules that are separate from and in addition to any city or county requirements.
HOA tree regulations vary widely. Some only restrict trees in common areas or along street frontage. Others require approval for any tree removal on your lot. Some specify protected species or minimum trunk diameters that trigger a review process.
Violating your HOA's tree rules can result in fines and demands to replace removed trees at your expense — sometimes with trees of equivalent size. Always check your HOA's CC&Rs before removing any significant tree.
How to Check Your Permit Requirements
- 1Look up your property address at the Fort Bend County Appraisal District (fbcad.org) to confirm your jurisdiction.
- 2If you're in the City of Katy, call Katy City Hall or check the city's website for current tree ordinance requirements.
- 3If you're in unincorporated Fort Bend County, no county permit is needed — but proceed to step 4.
- 4Check your HOA documents. Review your community's CC&Rs or call your HOA management company about tree removal approval.
- 5For any tree near utilities or structures, consider consulting a certified arborist regardless of permit status.
We Handle the Paperwork
We'll confirm the applicable rules for your specific address and help you get any needed approvals. No surprises, no permit violations, no HOA headaches.