Cheyenne, WY Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Clearance over streets/alleys
- 14 feet minimum
- Clearance over sidewalks
- 8 feet minimum
- Permit needed for
- trees within the right-of-way
- Enforced by
- city forester
- Noncompliance cost
- city bills owner for abatement
Summary
Cheyenne property owners must keep abutting trees trimmed to 14 feet over streets and alleys and 8 feet over sidewalks, per the city forester's right-of-way rules.
The responsible party for any property located within the city shall:1.Maintain all trees to provide clearance over streets and alleys of at least fourteen (14) feet and over sidewalks of at least eight (8) feet.2.Maintain an unobstructed site distance triangle pursuant to the urban forestry guidelines.3.Remove all stumps in the public right-of-way to at least eight (8) inches below original grade and replace with top soil.C.When the city forester or designee determines a tree is in such a condition that it endangers the safe public use of streets, alleys, and sidewalks, the city forester shall issue a notice of violation requiring corrective steps in accordance with Section 12.16.112.D.In the case of an emergency, the city forester or designee may cause the immediate necessary remedial action in accordance with Section 12.16.110 and Section 12.16.112. (Ord. No. 4235, § 1, 6-25-18)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 73).
Full Breakdown
City Code 12.16.050 makes the property owner or occupant abutting the public right-of-way responsible for trimming trees to keep clearance of at least 14 feet over streets and alleys and at least 8 feet over sidewalks, plus keeping a clear sight-distance triangle and cutting stumps at least 8 inches below grade. Any cutting, trimming or removal of a tree actually standing within the right-of-way itself requires a permit from the city forester under 12.16.060, though owners may trim their own encroaching branches without one.
Violations & Fines
City forester issues a written notice of violation with a compliance deadline under 12.16.112; if the owner doesn't act, the city can enter and do the trimming or removal itself and bill the full cost of the work to the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim my own tree that overhangs the sidewalk?
What happens if I ignore a city forester notice about low branches?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cheyenne
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