If a tree falls it doesn’t need a permit. But none the less once it falls I’m sure it’s in violation of at least a dozen code and law violations. Then they come back punish the innocent.
So much in the world now a days is about perception. The new “old” house we just bought has a tree in the front yard about 10 feet from the foundation wall. I’m sure it was a cute little pine tree when planted in the 1950’s but now it’s about 70 feet tall and about a $2000 project to get it down being its between the two roads on the corner and the house plus power lines. I called the power company and told them the service to the house runs thru the tree and would they take it down. They sent out a forestry guy and his report was the tree is healthy and just needs trimmed and it’s the owners problem but they will do the limb removal. Here is where the perception comes in I said thanks for the report and I will keep it on file in case the healthy tree does fall across the main line across the street. All of a sudden the perception has changed and as unlikely as it is the tree will fall this guy just recommended that it wouldn’t fall, and when it does here is this homeowner with a report with his name saying it wouldn’t. Now how’s that going to look. So he says if you can wait until a crew is back in the area maybe they should take it down to play it safe. I told him well it’s your call you are the expert not me. So the tree is coming down soon and I’m not paying or assuming the risk of doing the job or paying someone else to assume the risk for me.
So to the OP. I would give the opposite advice and error on the side of caution and go ask about a permit. They will most likely say no and now you are on the record as asking. Someone comes along and try’s to tell you different you are in the clear. Who knows they might just send someone out to do the job as its to their benefit to get it done right. Or they may have advice on how to best do it and with the correct materials etc.