Albuquerque, NM Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- ROA 1994 Sec. 6-6-2-5 (Street Tree Policies)
- Sidewalk clearance
- 7 feet minimum to lowest branch
- Street clearance
- 14 feet minimum to lowest branch
- Permit
- City Forester permit required to plant or remove (Sec. 6-6-1-4)
- Administered by
- City Forester / Parks & Recreation
Summary
Albuquerque's Street Tree Ordinance (ROA 1994, Article 6-6) sets minimum clearance for trees overhanging public ways: the lowest permanent branch over a sidewalk must be at least 7 feet, and over a street at least 14 feet. The City Forester administers planting, trimming, and removal of street trees.
The minimum height to the lowest permanent branch overhanging a sidewalk shall be seven feet; the lowest height of a permanent branch overhanging a street shall be 14 feet. Coniferous trees may be used as street trees only when the minimum required vertical clearance over streets and sidewalks can be maintained throughout the life of the tree and only where they will not at maturity block solar access to abutting buildings.
(6) As it is desirable to have a mix of species and genera represented in the urban forest in order to protect against the loss of trees due to disease, insects or environmental conditions, the following guidelines shall be used:
(a) Plantings of ten or fewer trees may all be of the same genus;
(b) Plantings of more than ten trees must use at least two different genera, with roughly equal numbers of each.
(7) One of every three street trees planted may be an accent tree per the Official Albuquerque Plant Palette and Sizing List, provided the guidelines in § 14-16-5-6(D) and the Development Process Manual are met. ('74 Code, § 8-5-5) (Ord. 54- 1981; Am. Ord. 19-1986; Am. Ord. 40-2004; Am. Ord. 19-2008; Am. Ord._2016-006; Am. Ord._2017-025) Penalty, see §
Full Breakdown
Street trees in the public right-of-way are governed by the Street Tree Ordinance, Article 6-6 of the Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque 1994, administered by the City Forester (Part 1, Sec. 6-6-1-1). The ordinance establishes clearance and maintenance standards under the Street Tree Policies (Sec. 6-6-2-5): the minimum height to the lowest permanent branch overhanging a sidewalk is seven feet, and the lowest height of a permanent branch overhanging a street is fourteen feet, so that pedestrians and vehicles are not obstructed. A permit from the City Forester is required to plant or remove trees in the public right-of-way (Sec.
6-6-1-4). The ordinance also requires the installation of street trees along major streets (Required Street Trees, Sec. 6-6-2-4). Companion Regulations for Street Tree Planting (EPC Resolution adopted February 10, 1983) govern species selection and planting standards. On private property within the city, electric utility and right-of-way tree trimming is further addressed at Sec. 13-4-2-6 (Tree Trimming, Maintenance, and Moving of Aerials).
Violations & Fines
Trimming, planting, or removing street trees without the required City Forester permit, or failing to maintain required clearances, can result in correction notices and penalties under the Street Tree Ordinance enforced by the City Forester / Parks & Recreation. General code violations are charged as municipal offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must tree branches be over a sidewalk in Albuquerque?
Do I need a permit to remove a street tree?
Who maintains street trees in Albuquerque?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
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