The tree is an essential resource for everyone’s well-being. But when this resource becomes a nuisance, it is a matter of cutting it down. You may carry out the felling if the tree is suffering or too tall. You may also do so if you find that the tree is potentially dangerous or has been uprooted by the wind. Considering the situation from another perspective, note that the tree is protected by regulations. So, what authorization is required to fell a tree in France?
It all starts with administrative acts
Whether you are an expert or an individual, felling requires the use of a good tool like those available on https://www.tronconneuse.xyz. But well before you proceed with this operation, it is necessary that you submit it to the Municipal College. Additionally, you are required to follow certain procedures. That said, you must send by post or via email a request form for felling and a written motivated request. Note that you can obtain the latter either from the DAAF website or at the town hall. Occasionally, include a drawing of your subdivision along with photos of all the trees.
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Moreover, if you want to cut down a large number of trees, you will need to attach to form n° 13404*01 a situational plan at a scale of 1/25,000. You can send the file to the environmental service. Then, note that you must make multiple copies of the form in question to leave at the town hall or send it by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. Furthermore, if you happen to be renting, you must inform the landlord so that you can obtain their approval. Thus, they can indicate their permission in the request sent to the town hall or the environmental service.
Prepare documents to obtain the urban planning document
If felling is to take place at your residence, note that the administrative acts vary depending on the type of tree. For example, you must have the green light from the Municipal College to cut down trees with tall stems. Additionally, to receive the urban planning permit, you must provide documents that you need to present in 2 copies. Among other things, you will provide a permit application and a summary assessment of the effects on nature. Then, you must present an explanation regarding why you want to carry out the operation as well as what you plan to do after the felling.
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You must also add a photographic description consisting of images of the road frontage, the plot, and the surrounding buildings. The following documents that you will need to provide must be in 5 copies and signed. This includes a cover page of the plan file without reservation and signed, as well as a scaled and dimensioned site plan. The latter shows the direction, access paths, boundaries of the concerned areas, the location of trees to be preserved, and the placement of the tree to be cut down.
Delays and specifics of the authorization regime
The high-ranking individuals who can grant you the authorization have a period of 1 month to notify you of their refusal. If this deadline passes, you are free to cut down your tree in peace. Furthermore, if you receive a favorable opinion from the town hall, you must wait for an additional month. This is to allow the prefecture to verify the validity of the said authorization. Finally, it is your responsibility to display on the site where the operation will take place the receipt bearing the stamp of the town hall.