How Fort Collins Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide
Fort Collins maintains 166 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fort Collins falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Protected Tree Species
Fort Collins requires developers to preserve any "significant" tree, one measuring six inches or more in diameter, found within a project's Limits of Development or a natural habitat buffer zone. Transitional Land Use Code Section 3.2.1(F) labels these "protected" trees, mandates fencing during construction, and forces replacement plantings or a mitigation fee when removal is unavoidable.
Key details: Protected tree size: 6 inches diameter or greater. Applies to: Limits of Development, buffer zones. Replacement ratio: 1 to 6 trees per tree removed. Construction barrier: 4-ft fencing, 6 ft from trunk. Utility trenching: Bored 24 inches under root zone.
Violating any Land Use Code tree-protection standard, including Section 3.2.1(F) and (G), is a misdemeanor under Section 2.14.4(A), punishable under City Code Section 1-15, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. The City Forester or Director can also require an approved tree protection plan before allowing work to proceed, order remedial replacement plantings, or withhold a Development Construction Permit until the required mitigation fee is paid.
Parkway Planting
Fort Collins makes it unlawful to plant, prune or remove any tree within a street's public right-of-way, including the parkway strip, without a written permit from the City Forester. The City Code permit is free, but the Forester inspects the site first and can attach conditions before work begins.
Key details: Permit required for: Planting, pruning or removing right-of-way trees. Issuing office: City Forester. Permit fee: Free. Commercial tree trigger: 15-inch diameter removal needs permit. Alley exception: Adjoining owners may work without permit.
Failing to comply with a Forester-issued permit, or with the City Forester's adopted rules and specifications, is a violation of Article II of Chapter 27 under Section 27-33. Planting a prohibited species in the right-of-way under Section 27-18 or violating the permit process draws a civil infraction citation under Section 1-15(f), and the City Forester can require corrective work through the notice-and-abatement procedure in Section 27-59, with costs assessed as a lien against the property if the owner doesn't pay.
Compared to other cities, Fort Collins takes a harder line on parkway planting. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
Fort Collins'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 Fort Collins is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Fort Collins's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.