Killeen tree rules: what we could verify

This page sticks to City of Killeen documents and Texas law we read on 2026-11-04. We are not the city and this is not legal advice. The city's online code library would not load for us, so we have not read the current code text. Before you cut anything big, confirm with Building Inspections at 254-501-7762, press 2 for permits (the city's number, not ours).

The short answer

We did not find a Killeen rule requiring a permit to take down a tree on an existing home lot. That is what the documents we could open show. It is not the same as saying no such rule exists. Other rules can apply if the tree is in the right-of-way or a utility easement, near a power line, or part of required landscaping.

Verified: landscaping rules

The city's Building Inspections page sends landscaping questions to Chapter 31, Article V, Division 11 of the code. That is the text we could not open. We read two related versions:

• The older article, headed "For lots platted prior August 18, 2020". It requires landscaping for new construction and for additions that grow a building's footprint by 30 percent or more (Sec. 8-506). It exempts residential lots in zones A, A-R1, R-1, R1-A, RM-1, R-2 and R-MS (Sec. 8-507). Nothing in it sets up a permit to cut an existing tree.
• A July 2020 draft moving the rules to Chapter 31 (Sec. 31-870 onward). It is a draft, so the adopted text may differ. Its exemptions are narrower: residential lots in zones A, R-MP and R-MS, plus development platted before the effective date (Sec. 31-877). So a home on a newer lot may have required trees.

Both say a tree used for landscape credit that dies must be replaced. If a tree counted toward required landscaping, as on an apartment, commercial or newer home lot, ask before removing it.

Verified: dead trees and upkeep

The Code Enforcement page lists dead trees and limbs among things that may be "a possible unsightly or objectionable condition" when visible from the right-of-way. It also says "The owner and tenant are responsible for maintaining the property from any adjacent street curbs" to the back of the property, and "Any alley or right-of-way adjacent to their property must also be maintained." The office is at 254-501-7608. The page does not say whether you may remove a tree growing in the right-of-way.

Verified: right-of-way and sight lines

The older article says landscaping cannot be placed in a public right-of-way without approval from the building official and city engineer, or from the state transportation department on state roads, and that sight triangles must be kept clear at driveways and intersections (Sec. 8-513). We found nothing on removing an existing tree from the right-of-way, so treat a tree between the sidewalk and the street as a question for the city at 254-501-7600.

Verified: utility easements

The city's easement sheet says an easement typically includes the right to keep it "free from structures or plantings that will interfere with the operation of the utility system", and that crews can enter to reach it. A copy of Chapter 8 on the city site, marked as a 2021 draft, says fences and "landscaping (excluding trees)" may sit over a public utility easement (Sec. 8-31), and can be removed at the owner's expense when access is needed. Check your deed, survey or plat.

Verified: state law on lines and digging

• Section 752.004 bars work where a person or tool could come within six feet of a high voltage overhead line unless the danger is guarded against. Section 752.003 requires at least 48 hours' notice to the operator for temporary work that close.
• Utilities Code 251.151 requires a person who intends to excavate to notify a notification center at least 48 hours ahead (not counting weekends and legal holidays) and not more than 14 days ahead, with exceptions. The city lists a dig line at 1-800-344-8377.

Verified: brush, and a neighbor's limbs

Killeen says "Contractors are responsible for disposing of all brush they cut down." The Texas State Law Library says a neighbor generally has the right to trim limbs to the property line but can be sued for harming the tree, and that the trunk's location generally decides who owns it. It says Texas has no specific statute on this, and that city ordinances and owners' associations may add rules.

State licensing

We did not find a statewide license for tree cutting or arborists in Texas. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation lists many license types and none for tree work. That is what we checked, not a ruling, so ask any company for insurance proof. One related license is verified: applying any pesticide to trees for hire needs a Texas Department of Agriculture license.

Not verified: ask the city

• The current text of Chapter 31, Division 11, and of Chapter 18 on nuisances.
• Whether any permit applies to removing a tree on a home lot.
• Whether a protected or heritage tree rule exists. Some websites state size limits and fines for Killeen without citing an ordinance. We could not confirm them, so we do not repeat them.
• Whether a given tree sits in the right-of-way, and who may remove it.
• Trees in a floodplain or drainage easement.
• Owners' association or deed limits, and county rules outside city limits.