Arvada, CO Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Section 4-6-6-1 requires deciduous street trees to be installed between the curb and detached sidewalk in street rights-of-way in locations approved by the Director, or within ten feet of the right-of-way if the Director determines planting within it is impractical. Development must provide at least one street tree for each 40 feet of street frontage, unless the Director determines a different number is warranted by existing conditions. Street trees are generally installed in a streetscape area at least eight feet wide between the back of curb and the sidewalk; as an alternative, tree grates or sidewalk cutouts may be used in the MX and OT zoning districts, sized large enough to support healthy growth.

Trunks of street trees must be set back from driveways and alleys outside the sight triangle, and trees must be planted so their eventual growth can be reasonably controlled to avert interference with public improvements, and so nearby overhead and underground utilities, including water, wastewater, gas, communications, and electrical lines, will not be disrupted or materially affected by branches or roots. No street tree expected to exceed 25 feet in height at maturity may be planted under or within ten feet, measured horizontally, of any overhead power line, except a street light or service line.

Maintenance responsibility for street trees falls to the adjacent property owner, unless the applicant has arranged an alternative perpetual maintenance mechanism acceptable to the Director, such as through a property owners' association or a special district.