Thinking about removing a tree in Oyster Bay or Bayville? Before you call a contractor, check whether a permit is required. Local rules are specific, and skipping a permit can lead to fines, delays, or required replanting. This quick guide shows you who to contact, when you need approval, what it costs, and how to avoid problems that can derail home projects or a sale. Let’s dive in.
Know your jurisdiction
If your property is inside the Incorporated Village of Bayville, Village rules apply. If it is outside the Village but within the Town of Oyster Bay, Town rules apply. Street and curb trees in the public right of way fall under the Town’s Highway Division and Tree Bureau. For trees along County or State roads, different agencies may control the work.
Start by confirming where your tree sits and who owns the land beneath it. For Town right of way trees and contacts, review the Town’s Highway Division page at the Department of Public Works. You can also confirm Bayville’s local authority by checking the Village’s tree code.
When permits are required
- Town of Oyster Bay: A permit is typically required to remove any living tree with a diameter at breast height of 8 inches or more, measured 4.5 feet above ground. Emergency removals and trees confirmed dead, diseased, or severely damaged can be exempt when determined by the Commissioner of Parks or a designee. See definitions and standards in the Town’s Chapter 225 on Trees.
- Village of Bayville: A permit is required to remove or substantially alter any living tree 8 inches or more in diameter, with measurement rules set by Village code. The Village also flags any live tree with a circumference over 20 inches at 48 inches above ground for arborist review before removal. See Bayville’s tree code and the landscaping section that includes the 20 inch threshold.
If you are unsure, measure the trunk and call the appropriate office before any work begins.
Town rules and fees
The Town reviews health, species, location, and site impacts before deciding. The Town may require replacement plantings or other mitigation and will list any conditions on the permit. You must post the permit at the site until the work is complete and notify the Town when finished so they can inspect and issue a certificate of completion.
- Fee structure: The Town application fee is 5 dollars per inch of total diameter removed, with a minimum of 50 dollars per application and a maximum of 75 dollars per individual tree. Some small applications may be reduced or waived at the Commissioner’s discretion.
- Timing: File at least 10 workdays before the proposed removal date.
- Forms: Review Chapter 225 and the Town’s Tree Preservation and Removal application for required documents, surveys, photos, and contractor details.
Helpful links: Town Code Chapter 225, Town Highway Division and Tree Bureau, Town Tree Preservation and Removal application
Bayville rules and review
Bayville’s process runs through the Village Board with input from the Building Department. Your application generally includes a sketch or survey that shows the trees, reasons for removal, and any requested reports. The Village may require replacement plantings and can order removal of nuisance trees if needed.
- Arborist review: Any live tree with a circumference over 20 inches at 48 inches above ground triggers a special approval by a Village-appointed arborist.
- Fees and timeline: Fees are set by Board resolution and posted on Village forms. Timing depends on the Board schedule and application completeness.
- Forms: Start with the Village’s forms page and contact the Building Department for current requirements.
Helpful links: Bayville tree code, Village landscaping section with 20 inch rule, Bayville forms
Special cases to flag
- Right of way trees: Trees in the Town right of way are handled by the Highway Division and Tree Bureau. Use the Town’s dedicated right of way application and follow DPW instructions.
- Power lines: If branches or trunks are near or touching electric lines, contact PSEG Long Island. The utility manages vegetation for safety and reliability. Do not attempt to prune or remove trees that could contact energized lines. See PSEG’s vegetation management guidance.
- Wetlands and coastal areas: If work is in or near freshwater wetlands, tidal wetlands, or regulated waterbodies, contact the NYSDEC about additional permits. Start with the DEC’s Protection of Waters and Wetlands program overview.
Helpful links: Town Highway Division, PSEG tree trimming and safety, NYSDEC Protection of Waters and Wetlands
How to apply step by step
- Confirm jurisdiction and ownership
- Determine if your property is in Bayville or in the unincorporated Town. If the trunk is in the curb strip or sidewalk area, start with the Town Highway Division.
- Check tree size and status
- Town regulates trees 8 inches DBH and larger. Bayville regulates 8 inches and applies arborist review at 20 inches circumference. If the tree is dead or an immediate hazard, document the condition for emergency review.
- Document the tree
- Take clear photos, measure diameter or circumference, and note the reason for removal. A certified arborist report helps when the tree is live but hazardous.
- Gather required documents
- Prepare a current survey or site sketch with trees marked, photos, and contractor license information if requested. Use the Town’s application for Town properties or the Village forms for Bayville.
- Submit and schedule
- Town applicants should submit at least 10 workdays before planned removal and post the permit when issued. Bayville applicants should follow the Board schedule and Building Department guidance.
- Follow conditions and close out
- Complete any required replacement plantings or erosion controls. Notify the Town for final inspection and certificate of completion, if applicable.
Helpful links: Town application, Bayville forms
Penalties and compliance
Cutting without approval can be costly. In the Town of Oyster Bay, fines range from 350 dollars to 1,000 dollars per tree, with possible additional requirements such as replacement plantings. In Bayville, violations can carry fines up to 500 dollars per offense and related remedies. Review the Town and Village codes for full enforcement details.
Helpful links: Town Code Chapter 225, Bayville tree code
Preparing to sell
If you plan to list your home, clearing tree issues in advance prevents surprises during buyer inspections or municipal checks. Permits, approvals, and final sign offs show that work was done correctly, which helps preserve value and timeline. A clean paper trail also supports disclosure and reduces risk of last minute delays.
When you are getting your property sale ready on the North Shore, a coordinated plan is key. If you need introductions to trusted local resources or want a pre-market strategy that aligns with your timeline, reach out to Dalia Elison for discreet, expert guidance.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Bayville or Oyster Bay?
- Most live trees at or above the local size threshold require a permit, with limited exemptions for emergency and confirmed dead or diseased trees; check the Town code or Bayville code and confirm with the appropriate office.
How much do Town permits cost for tree removal?
- The Town fee is 5 dollars per inch of total diameter removed, with a 50 dollar minimum per application and a maximum of 75 dollars per individual tree per Chapter 225.
What is the Bayville 20 inch rule?
- Bayville requires arborist approval for any live tree with a circumference over 20 inches measured at 48 inches above ground, as outlined in the Village’s landscaping section of the code found here.
Who handles trees near power lines in Oyster Bay and Bayville?
- Contact PSEG Long Island for trees that are near or touching lines; the utility manages vegetation for safety and outlines its process on its tree trimming page.
What happens if I remove a tree without a permit?
- The Town can fine 350 to 1,000 dollars per tree with possible replacement requirements, and Bayville can fine up to 500 dollars per offense; see the Town code and Bayville code for details.
