Aurora, CO Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Written permission before planting/removing
- Governing standard
- Must match city's street tree plan
- City-funded planting
- Tree roughly every 45 ft, single-family
- Corner lots
- Plantings capped at 26 in. near intersections
Summary
Aurora, Colorado requires a written permit from the parks and open space director before planting or removing any tree in a street right-of-way, and new trees must match the city's official street tree plan.
The director of parks and open space shall prepare a street tree plan for all residential rights-of-way or other publicly owned places in the City so as to have a master plan showing tree species and locations within the City. This plan shall be kept up to date in accordance with current knowledge about plant materials and their ability to survive under the conditions we have in the City. It shall be unlawful to plant any trees or shrubs in any residential public right-of-way or publicly owned place which is not in conformity with the street tree plan. (Code 1979, § 29-35; Ord. No. 95-53, exhibit A (§ 29-35), 9-11-1995)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Aurora City Code Sec. 142-29, the director of parks and open space maintains a street tree plan, a master plan of approved species and locations for all residential rights-of-way and other public places, and planting anything that doesn't conform is unlawful. Section 142-30 backs this up: no one may plant or remove a tree or shrub in a street, residential right-of-way, or other public place without the director's written permission first. The city itself plants street trees roughly every 45 feet along single-family residential frontages under a related planting fee program in Section 142-31.
Violations & Fines
Planting or removing a tree in a street right-of-way without the parks director's written permission is unlawful under Sec. 142-30; a permit already issued can be voided if its terms are violated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in the parkway strip in front of my Aurora home?
Does the City of Aurora ever plant street trees for homeowners?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
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