Cheyenne, WY Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Cheyenne, WY, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
It shall be unlawful for any person to plant, cut, trim, prune, remove, destroy or cause to be planted, cut, trimmed, pruned, removed or destroyed any tree within the public right-of-way of any street or sidewalk, or upon other city-owned property within the city without having first obtained a written permit therefor. For purposes of this section, "within the public right-of-way of any street or sidewalk, or upon other city-owned property" shall not include trees located on private property that encroach upon or overhang public property. Owners of properties adjoining alley rights-of-way may cut, trim, prune or remove trees located within such rights-of-way without a permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 73).
Full Breakdown
City Code 12.16.060 makes it unlawful to plant, cut, trim, prune, remove or destroy any tree within a street or sidewalk right-of-way, or on other city-owned property, without a written permit from the city forester's office. Applicants file a written application naming the tree species, location, and who will do the work, and must agree in writing to hold the city harmless. The city forester inspects the tree and, if removal or the proposed work is deemed appropriate, issues a permit setting any conditions. Alley-abutting owners may cut, trim, prune or remove trees in the alley right-of-way without a permit. Trees on private property that merely overhang public property are excluded from the permit requirement.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the alley behind my Cheyenne property?
Who approves a Cheyenne street-tree removal permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cheyenne
Compare Cheyenne to another location·View the Wyoming landscaping rules overview
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