Update on urban tree felling licensing process

The Ministry of Construction has just announced new administrative procedures in the field of technical infrastructure, specifying the licensing process for cutting down and moving trees to increase decentralization to localities and protect urban green spaces.

Illustration photo.

The Ministry of Construction has just issued Decision No. 1813/QD-BXD, announcing amended and supplemented administrative procedures in the field of technical infrastructure, focusing on the licensing process for cutting down and moving urban trees.

The decision, signed by Deputy Minister Nguyen Tuong Van on October 20, 2025, aims to update regulations under Decree 258/2025/ND-CP of the Government on the management of parks, trees and water surfaces, contributing to improving the efficiency of management and development of green and sustainable urban areas.

According to the Decision, the licensing of tree felling and relocation is assigned to local authorities, based on the decentralization of the Provincial People's Committee. This is considered an important step in concretizing the decentralization policy, helping the management of urban trees to be closer to reality, more transparent and effective, while ensuring public safety and supporting urban infrastructure projects.

Decision No. 1813/QD-BXD clearly stipulates the implementation procedure: organizations and individuals in need must prepare a license application file and send it to the competent authority.

The file includes: Application for license; photos of current status of trees; other relevant documents.

People and businesses can submit applications directly at the one-stop department, by post or online on the public service portal.

The processing time is shortened, not exceeding 10 working days for normal records and 20 working days if related to trees in the list of trees needing conservation.

In case the application is not qualified, the competent authority will notify in writing stating the reason for refusal.

Decision No. 1813/QD-BXD emphasizes that trees are only allowed to be cut down or moved when meeting the conditions in Clauses 1 and 3, Article 27 of Decree 258/2025/ND-CP, for example: Trees that pose a risk of causing traffic insecurity or affecting technical infrastructure; within the scope of approved public projects.

If qualified, the result is a Permit to cut down and move trees without collecting any fees or charges.

Requiring complete and valid documents helps prevent abuse, preserve urban ecosystems and green spaces during infrastructure development.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Tuong Van said that Decision 1813/QD-BXD also replaces previous announcements on administrative procedures in the field of technical infrastructure.

The Decision takes effect from the date of signing, assigned to the Ministry Office, Department of Construction Infrastructure and

Experts assess that this administrative procedure amendment is a timely adjustment in the context of rapid urbanization in Vietnam.

Trees not only play a role in landscaping but also reduce pollution, regulate the climate and improve people's quality of life.

Clear and transparent regulations help localities proactively control activities related to trees, while encouraging replacement tree planting to maintain the planned green coverage rate.

nhandan.vn

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/cap-nhat-quy-trinh-cap-phep-chat-ha-cay-xanh-do-thi-post885080.html