Landscaping Rules in Cheyenne, WY: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Cheyenne or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Cheyenne has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Cheyenne requires a written permit from the city forester before anyone cuts, removes or destroys a tree in a street right-of-way, sidewalk strip or other city-owned property.

Key details: Permit issuer: City forester's office. Covers: Street/sidewalk right-of-way, city property. Alley exception: No permit for alley right-of-way trees. Max fine: $750 plus costs. Max jail: 6 months.

Misdemeanor under City Code 1.24.010: fine up to $750 and costs, or up to 6 months in jail, or both; each day of violation is a separate offense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Cheyenne actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.

Tree Trimming

Cheyenne property owners must keep abutting trees trimmed to 14 feet over streets and alleys and 8 feet over sidewalks, per the city forester's right-of-way rules.

Key details: Clearance over streets/alleys: 14 feet minimum. Clearance over sidewalks: 8 feet minimum. Permit needed for: trees within the right-of-way. Enforced by: city forester. Noncompliance cost: city bills owner for abatement.

City forester issues a written notice of violation with a compliance deadline under 12.16.112; if the owner doesn't act, the city can enter and do the trimming or removal itself and bill the full cost of the work to the property owner.

Weed Ordinances

Cheyenne caps grass, weeds, and other rank vegetation at six inches on any lot outside the traveled roadway, with limited exceptions for approved natural areas and larger residential lots.

Key details: Height limit: 6 inches. Applies to: Grasses, weeds, rank vegetation. Enforcing agency: Compliance department. Large-lot exception: 0.8+ acre residential/ag lots. Cost recovery: Abatement cost + 50% fee.

Compliance department notice to abate; if the owner does not comply, the city or a hired contractor cuts the vegetation and bills the owner the abatement cost plus a 50 percent administrative fee.

The Bottom Line

Cheyenne's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cheyenne is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Cheyenne can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.