Loveland, CO Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Loveland's tree-removal authority is exercised through the Title 18 Unified Development Code (UDC) — adopted by ordinance repealing former Titles 16, 17 and 18 and replacing them with a new Title 18 on November 6, 2018, and then substantially amended on March 3, 2026 (effective March 17, 2026) to align with SB 24-005. The UDC defines Significant Tree (§ 4557) and Diameter at Breast Height — DBH (§ 4561), and requires submittal of tree-inventory and landscape information at development review. On established single-family residential lots outside required-landscape or significant-tree triggers, the City does not impose a separate tree-removal permit on private trees. Removal of trees planted in the city right-of-way, parks, or other city property without written City consent is prohibited, and the City may require an owner to remove a tree that projects into the right-of-way if the City Engineer determines it is necessary. Approximately 25,000 city-owned trees are inventoried and managed by the Urban Forestry division of Parks & Recreation. Loveland's Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) program implements ash removal and replacement on city property under the city's EAB Preparedness and Management Plan; private-lot EAB removals are not directly permitted by the City but are coordinated through Urban Forestry outreach. State-level direction comes from the Colorado State Forest Service Tree City USA program, which has recognized Loveland since 1989.