Broomfield, CO Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 17-70-050(A)(9) of the Broomfield Landscape Code requires that trees planted adjacent to public sidewalks maintain an eight-foot or greater branching height above the walk once the tree reaches maturity, so new street trees must be selected and pruned with that clearance in mind from installation. Section 17-70-070(A)(1)(vii) then places an ongoing maintenance duty on the adjacent property owner: the property owner is responsible for maintaining street trees, and within any sight distance area at roadway intersections, crossings and parking areas, bushes and shrubs must be kept at thirty-six inches or lower above the pavement while all trees and hanging branches must be trimmed to a minimum of eight feet above the pavement surface, including sidewalks, and fourteen feet above the vehicular traveled right-of-way.

Plant material within a sight distance area must also comply with the sight-distance design parameters of Section 700 of the Broomfield Standards and Specifications. Street trees themselves must be deciduous species, since evergreen trees are barred from use as street trees under Section 17-70-070(A)(1)(i), and existing healthy deciduous trees may count toward the street tree requirement. The clearance and maintenance duties apply along both public and private streets and rights-of-way, and cover any curbside landscaping installed under a site development plan, building permit or urban renewal site plan reviewed by Community Development.