Brookline tree ordinance explainer

The first screen

• A Brookline Protected Tree starts at 6 inches DBH on private property.
• Brookline regulates both tree removals and certain construction activity within 30 feet of a Protected Tree.
• Public shade trees remain on a separate Chapter 87 track. If the tree is in the public way or on the boundary of a public way, treat that as a different process.

When a simple removal turns into a bigger filing

• Removing a Protected Tree requires a permit.
• Construction, demolition, or excavation within 30 feet of a Protected Tree requires a Tree Protection and Mitigation Plan.
• If the project is removing 32 inches or more of aggregate DBH or disturbing 2,500+ square feet, Brookline also layers in erosion and sediment coordination.

Exempt versus non-exempt removals

• Dead, hazardous, unviable, diseased, or canopy-benefit removals can be documented on an exempt track, but Brookline still expects a permit record.
• Healthy-tree removals generally trigger mitigation unless the Reviewing Agent accepts a documented exemption.
• Brookline also requires abutter notification as part of the application file.

Mitigation and protection standards

• Mitigation starts at $500 per inch DBH not otherwise satisfied by replanting.
• The multiplier scales by DBH: under 25 inches = 1.0x, 25 to 39 = 1.5x, 40 to 54 = 2.0x, 55 and above = 3.0x.
• Replacement trees must be at least 3-inch caliper unless the Reviewing Agent authorizes otherwise.
• Brookline’s Tree Save Area is aggressive: 1.5 feet per inch DBH or the drip line if larger.

What the reviewing agent wants to see

• A clear tree list with species, DBH, condition, and disposition.
• Photos and a location exhibit for each tree proposed for removal.
• A Tree Protection and Mitigation Plan showing protection fencing, work limits, laydown and access areas, and any trenching or grade-change impacts.
• Exemption rationale, when claimed, written plainly and supported by arborist observations.