Tree Removal Permitting Process

Village Code requires that a tree removal permit or written authorization from the Village be obtained prior to the removal of any tree located within village limits, regardless of the tree’s condition.

The Process for obtaining a removal permit or authorization is as follows:

1. Contact Chris Fisher at 847.913.2365. He will need to know your name, address, and phone number, as well as the general location of the tree and why you want to remove it.

2. Allow three working days for the Village to inspect the tree.

3. If the subject tree is found to be dead, irreversibly declining, hazardous, or detracting from the health of other more valuable trees, the Village will grant written authorization for tree removal and waive the permit fee.

4. If the subject tree is healthy, and needs to be removed to accommodate an addition to an existing house, the construction of a new house, or to create a rear yard lawn area, a tree removal permit fee is required. The permit fee of $50.00 must be paid to the Village prior to issuance of the removal permit.
   
   In addition to the permit fee, healthy trees removed in the Village must be replaced. Therefore, the Village must also obtain a cash bond, to insure the required replacements are made.
   
   The Cash bond is equal to $150.00 multiplied by the number of inches, in tree caliper, that are required to be replaced. Trees that are listed on the Village’s “Appendix A”, of the Tree Preservation Code, require 100% replacement while trees not on the “Appendix A” list require only 30% replacement.
   
   Once the permit fee and cash bond have been paid to the Village, a removal permit will be issued. The permit holders then have the option of planting the required replacements and being refunded the cash bond, or allowing the cash bond to be placed in the Village’s tree bank, where it will be used to plant trees on public property throughout the Village.

5. Tree removal permits and authorizations expire and become null and void if the removal is not completed within six months from the date of permit issuance. If the permit expires, a new permit will have to be obtained.