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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Tree removal permit rules in Coconino County, AZ, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.

Key Facts

Forested Lots
Thinning encouraged
Flagstaff Development
Survey plus plan required
Priority
Ponderosa 18"+ DBH
Hazard Trees
May be removed

Summary

On rural forested lots, removing trees for defensible space is generally allowed and encouraged for fire safety. Flagstaff regulates tree removal on development sites through its Resource Protection Standards and a forest-resource survey.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Coconino County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Ponderosa pines with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 18 inches or more;

Source: Arizona Revised StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Coconino County's approach differs from urban canopy protection: on forested private lots, thinning and removing trees to build wildfire defensible space is generally permitted and promoted, so routine removal rarely needs a county permit. The real permitting kicks in with development. Flagstaff's Zoning Code Division 10-50.90 (Resource Protection Standards) requires a forest-resources survey and a protection plan, prioritizing ponderosa pines 18 inches DBH or larger, with a point-based threshold setting how much forest must stay onsite. Removing protected trees on a development site without approval triggers mitigation. Dead and hazardous trees can come down.

Violations & Fines

On a development site, removing protected forest without an approved plan violates Flagstaff's Resource Protection Standards and triggers mitigation or replanting. Routine defensible-space thinning on your own lot carries no penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Coconino County?
On a rural forested lot, usually not, since thinning for defensible space is encouraged for fire safety. Permitting mainly applies to Flagstaff development sites under the Resource Protection Standards.
What does Flagstaff protect during development?
Its Resource Protection Standards require surveying forest resources and keeping a minimum share onsite, prioritizing ponderosa pines 18 inches in diameter or larger, with mitigation if protected trees are removed.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Coconino County

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsArtificial TurfSignificant RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Coconino County rules

Compare Coconino County to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview

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