Latvia to simplify tree-felling rules outside forests
Latvia plans amendments that would ease rules for cutting down trees outside forests and reduce administrative burden for residents and builders. Small, dead or dangerous trees could soon be felled without municipal permission.
Latvia has drafted amendments to the regulations on felling trees outside forests, aiming to cut red tape for both residents and construction companies. Under the planned changes, trees with a stump diameter of up to 30 centimetres (a circumference of about 94 centimetres) could be cut without a municipal permit. Whether a permit is required will depend not only on a tree's size but also its species, growing location and protection status, while municipalities will retain the right to set stricter requirements for preserving trees.
When no permit will be needed
No permit will be required to fell trees in residential areas, except in multi-apartment building territories, unless the municipality has set specific requirements. The same applies to trees on land registered in the cadastre as agricultural land, with the exception of larger trees. A simplified procedure is also planned for dead or dangerous trees: before felling, the tree must be photographed from at least three angles clearly showing the damage or hazard, and the municipality must be informed.
Easier procedures for construction
When tree felling is required for construction purposes, it could be assessed together with the construction documentation instead of requiring a separate permit. Felled trees could also be compensated by planting at least three new trees, no younger than 10 years, on the same land plot — in which case no permit would be needed, provided the tree is not subject to special nature protection requirements.
A municipal tree-felling permit would remain valid for two years. If a municipality refuses to issue one, it will have to justify the tree's significance and explain why it cannot be replaced with a new planting.
Requirements protecting specially protected natural values will remain unchanged — a permit from the Nature Conservation Agency will still be required for felling notable trees, trees in protected alleys and dendrological plantings, as well as trees registered as habitats of specially protected species.
The amendments will take effect the day after their publication in the official gazette "Latvijas Vēstnesis".
