Can I remove trees from my property if it is in the critical area?
In general, homeowners can obtain approval through the local planning office to remove one or more trees from their property as long as the trees are not located in the Buffer, and new trees are planted on the property. (See the question below for additional information about the Buffer.) The critical area law requires no net loss of forest or developed woodland cover in the critical area.

Replacement planting may be required at a higher ratio than one-to-one depending on the number of trees on your property and the size of the tree being removed. In general, trees that are located within the Buffer cannot be removed unless they are dead, dying, diseased, or creating a hazard to people or property. A Buffer Management Plan is required for all removal of vegetation within the Buffer except for mowing an existing lawn.

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1. What is the Critical Area Program?
2. What are the critical area land classifications?
3. What is lot coverage and how does it affect my property?
4. If i buy a lot in the critical area, may I build a house on it?
5. If my home is in the critical area, will I be able to construct an addition or build a swimming pool, deck, or garage?
6. Can I remove trees from my property if it is in the critical area?
7. What are Habitat Protection Areas?
8. If I think I see a violation near the water, where do I call?
9. My property is in the RCA, can I create a lot to give to a family member?
10. What is a grandfathered lot? If my lot is grandfathered, am I exempt from the critical area regulations?
11. Are farming and timber harvesting exempt from the critical area regulations?
12. What is the Critical Area Commission?
13. Do I need to obtain the approval of the Critical Area Commission to build on my lot in the critical area?
14. What is the difference between local zoning ordinances and the state’s critical area law and regulations?
15. What is growth allocation?
16. What are FIDS?