Aurora's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Aurora, Colorado, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Protected Tree Species

In Aurora's Black Forest area, Ponderosa Pine over 4 inches and Gambel Oak over 3 inches in diameter are protected: removal during development requires a City Forester-approved tree protection plan.

Key details: Protected species: Ponderosa Pine >4 in. diameter. Also protected: Gambel Oak >3 in. diameter. Where it applies: Black Forest area only, not citywide. Who administers it: City Forester, Parks Forestry Division. Dead replacement tree deadline: 6 months after notice, within 3 yrs.

Removing a qualifying Ponderosa Pine or Gambel Oak in the Black Forest area without an approved tree protection plan is unlawful under the UDO; the City can draw on the developer's conservation escrow to fund mitigation, and failing to comply with an approved plan is itself a separate UDO violation.

Parkway Planting

Aurora, Colorado requires a written permit from the parks and open space director before planting or removing any tree in a street right-of-way, and new trees must match the city's official street tree plan.

Key details: Permit required: Written permission before planting/removing. Governing standard: Must match city's street tree plan. City-funded planting: Tree roughly every 45 ft, single-family. Corner lots: Plantings capped at 26 in. near intersections.

Planting or removing a tree in a street right-of-way without the parks director's written permission is unlawful under Sec. 142-30; a permit already issued can be voided if its terms are violated.

The Bottom Line

Aurora's tree protection 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 Aurora is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Aurora's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.