Goodyear's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Goodyear, Arizona, there are 3 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.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Goodyear does not mandate tree replacement for private property tree removal. The Zoning Ordinance requires landscape plans for new development that include minimum tree plantings. The Urban Forestry Department manages replacement of public trees removed for maintenance or development. HOAs in master-planned communities often require replacement of trees removed from front yards.

Key details: Private Requirement: No general replacement mandate. New Development: Landscape plans with tree minimums. Public Trees: 1:1 replacement by Urban Forestry. HOA Rules: Often require front-yard replacement. Contact: (623) 932-3200 Urban Forestry.

Failing to maintain required landscaping in approved development plans may violate PAD conditions. HOAs enforce tree replacement requirements through CC&R provisions and may fine homeowners who remove trees without replacing them. Public tree damage requires compensation and replacement. Contact Urban Forestry through (623) 932-3200.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Goodyear gives residents more flexibility on tree replacement requirements.

Tree Removal Permits

Goodyear Code Chapter 27, Article 1 (Tree Care and Management) regulates tree removal on public property and within public rights-of-way. The city's Urban Forestry Department manages the urban forest canopy. Private property tree removal does not require a city permit in most cases, but trees within HOA common areas and PAD landscape plans may require approval.

Key details: City Code: Chapter 27, Article 1. Private Property: Generally no city permit required. Public Trees: Urban Forestry approval required. Native Plants: ARS §3-904 protections on undeveloped land. Contact: (623) 932-3200 Urban Forestry.

Removing trees from public property or rights-of-way without Urban Forestry approval violates Chapter 27. Removing trees required by PAD landscape plans may violate development conditions. HOA violations carry separate enforcement. Damaging or removing protected native plants on undeveloped land violates ARS §3-904. Contact Urban Forestry through (623) 932-3200 for public tree questions.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Goodyear does not have a formal heritage tree or landmark tree ordinance for private property. The city's Urban Forestry Department manages and protects trees on public land under Chapter 27. Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS §3-904) protects native plants including saguaro cacti on undeveloped land. HOAs may designate significant trees in common areas as protected under CC&Rs.

Key details: Heritage Tree Ordinance: None for private property. Native Plant Law: ARS §3-904 protects native species. Saguaro Cacti: Protected, permit required to remove. Public Trees: Protected under Chapter 27. Contact: (623) 932-3200 Urban Forestry.

Removing protected native plants from undeveloped land without an Arizona Department of Agriculture permit violates ARS §3-904 and carries fines up to $100,000. Damaging public trees violates Chapter 27 and may result in replacement costs and fines. HOA violations for removing designated trees carry separate enforcement under CC&Rs. Contact Urban Forestry through (623) 932-3200 for guidance.

Goodyear is more permissive than most cities when it comes to heritage & protected trees. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Goodyear gives residents more room on tree protection. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Goodyear's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.