D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 24-3700
Except as provided in §§ 3700.2 and 3705.1, no person or non-governmental entity shall remove a Special Tree without a Special Tree Removal Permit issued by the Urban Forestry Administration, as provided in the Act.
Where the removal of a Hazardous Tree is necessary to avoid imminent harm or danger to persons or property, a person or non-governmental entity may remove a Hazardous Tree without a Special Tree Removal Permit; provided, the person or non-governmental entity shall submit to the Urban Forestry Administration, within fifteen (15) business days after removal of the Hazardous Tree, a permit application for a Special Tree Removal Permit together with a certification by an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist that the Special Tree was a Hazardous Tree.
D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 24-3700