Loveland, CO Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Loveland Municipal Code § 12.32.135
- Sidewalk clearance
- 8 feet minimum
- Street/alley clearance
- 14 feet minimum
- Enforcement official
- City Urban Forester
- Tree contractor license needed
- For work above 15 feet
- License fee
- $50 original, $25 renewal
Summary
Loveland property owners must keep tree branches trimmed to at least 8 feet over a public sidewalk and 14 feet over a street or alley travel lane, under Municipal Code § 12.32.135. Vegetation can't encroach onto the sidewalk or street plane at all, and the city's Urban Forester can order the work done, or do it and bill the owner, if it isn't.
A.It shall be the duty of the owner of any property within the City to cut, trim, prune or remove as necessary any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation located upon the property of such owner in order to provide for the safe and convenient use of streets, sidewalks, alleys or other City-owned property in accordance with the following requirements:1.Vegetation growth must not encroach upon the plane of a public sidewalk or street;2.Tree branch growth must be maintained at a height no lower than eight feet over a public sidewalk and not less than 14 feet over the travel lanes of a street or alley;3.To ensure the safety of motorists on adjacent streets, sight distance triangles pursuant to Section 18.05.02.02 must be maintained to protect visual clearances as required by the Traffic Engineer;4.Branches, trees, shrubs and other vegetation must not obscure street name signs or official traffic control devices;5.Branches or trees that are broken, hanging, decayed or otherwise defective in any way that threatens public property or the safe use thereof must be removed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
135 puts the duty to trim squarely on the property owner: any owner within Loveland must cut, trim, prune, or remove trees, shrubs, or other vegetation on their land to keep streets, sidewalks, alleys, and other city-owned property safe and usable. Five specific standards apply. Vegetation growth can't encroach on the plane of a public sidewalk or street at all. Tree branches must clear at least 8 feet above a public sidewalk and at least 14 feet above the travel lanes of a street or alley.
02. Vegetation can't obscure street name signs or official traffic control devices. And any broken, hanging, decayed, or otherwise defective branch or tree that threatens public property or safety must come down. The duty doesn't extend to trimming required only to clear City utility lines; that work is the City's own responsibility. 170 requiring the work within a stated deadline, and if a branch, tree, or other object obscures a traffic sign or sight triangle and poses a hazard, the Traffic Engineer can have it removed immediately at the City's expense without prior notice to the owner. 060, with a $50 original license fee and $25 renewal fee.
Violations & Fines
An owner who fails to maintain clearance can be ordered to do the work by the Urban Forester under § 12.32.135(C) and § 12.32.170, and noncompliance is enforceable through a summons into Loveland Municipal Court, a notice of abatement, or other lawful means under § 12.32.150. Where a tree is dead or dangerous, adjoining owners can be held jointly and severally liable for removal costs under § 12.32.140. Penalties don't waive the City's right to recover its own removal or treatment costs, per § 12.32.200.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high do my tree branches need to be over the sidewalk in Loveland?
What happens if I don't trim my trees?
Do I need a license to trim my own trees?
Who pays if the City has to remove a hazardous branch near a sign?
Sources & Official References
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