Flagstaff, AZ Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Flagstaff Zoning Code § 10-50.90.120, Enforcement, backs the forest-resource protection standards of Division 10-50.90 that apply to any parcel inside the Resource Protection Overlay (RPO) zone. Subsection A makes any violation of the division punishable, on conviction, by a fine not exceeding $1,000 per offense, and it treats the cutting down or destruction of each tree as its own separate offense. Subsection B covers the more common case: forest-resource trees removed in excess of the number a City-issued permit approved, whether cut, destroyed, intentionally damaged or removed in connection with land use, development or soil movement.

That triggers a stop work order under Section 10-20.110.090 and restitution under the schedule in Table 10-50.90.120.A, Tree Replacement, plus replacement of any tree that dies within its first three growing seasons. That table scales both the planting obligation and the fine to the diameter of the tree removed, measured at breast height: trees 6 to 12 inches DBH require four 2.5-inch caliper (or two 4-inch caliper) replacements and carry a $1,000 fine per tree; 13 to 17 inches require six or three replacements and a $2,000 fine; 18 to 24 inches require eight or five replacements and a $5,000 fine; and 25 inches or more require 15 or eight replacements and a $10,000 fine.

Where removal happens before the required resources survey, subsection C lets the Director reconstruct the pre-removal forest resource count from photographs and other reliable data.