Tree removal permit rules in Arapahoe County, CO — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Arapahoe County LDC Chapter 4-1.3 includes tree preservation rules for development projects in unincorporated areas. Tree surveys and replacement requirements apply during development. Russian olive trees are noxious weeds that should be removed under state law.
The Land Development Code Chapter 4-1.3 regulates tree removal primarily in the context of land development in unincorporated Arapahoe County. Development projects require tree surveys and must follow rules for removal, replacement, and protection of trees. Outside of development activity, private property owners generally have broad authority to remove trees on their own land. However, trees within county road rights-of-way or drainage easements may be subject to county approval before removal. Russian olive and Siberian elm are classified as noxious weeds under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act and should be removed. The county's November 2024 landscape regulation update strengthened tree preservation requirements for new development.
Unauthorized tree removal during development may result in replacement requirements and code enforcement action.
Arapahoe County, CO
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Arapahoe County, CO
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Arapahoe County, CO
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Arapahoe County, CO
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Arapahoe County, CO
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Arapahoe County, CO
Aurora, Centennial, and Cherry Hills Village require replacement of permitted tree removals in public right-of-way and subdivisions. Replacement ratios 1:1 t...
See how Arapahoe County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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