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Colorado Springs, CO Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit required for
Planting a tree on a right-of-way
Permit decision window
5 business days
Species must be
On approved street tree list
Compatibility check
Site and right-of-way width
Appeal authority
Director of Public Works
Effective date
August 10, 2026 (Ord. 26-30)

Summary

Planting a tree in a Colorado Springs right-of-way or parkway requires a City Forester's permit, and the species must be on the City's approved street tree list and compatible with the right-of-way's width. The Forester must grant or deny the permit within five business days.

Permit Required: A permit is required for the following acts: (1) To plant a tree on a right-of-way; ... The City Forester will determine whether the permit will be granted or denied based upon the following criteria: (a) Whether the applied for activity complies with this Code and all rules and regulations promulgated by the City Forester; (b) Whether the tree to be planted is a species on the approved street tree list; is a species compatible with the site; and is a species compatible with the right-of-way width; and (c) Whether the applied for activity will impede the necessary and safe use of the right-of-way; obstruct street signs or traffic control signals; or interfere with the visibility requirements, as outlined in City Code § 3.9.202(C).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 26-23, passed June 9, 2026).

Full Breakdown

104(A)(1) requires anyone planting a tree on a right-of-way to first obtain a City Forester's permit. 202(C). 102 defines a 'City tree' to include any tree planted in a right-of-way under a City Forester's permit and added to the City's tree inventory. 201(A) separately requires an owner to maintain or remove any woody vegetation planted in the right-of-way after January 1, 2020, without a permit, or that is not on the approved list. 309, who may affirm or modify the City Forester's decision. 00, up to 189 days in jail, or both.

Violations & Fines

Planting a tree in the right-of-way, or on a City parkway, without a City Forester's permit, or planting a species that isn't on the approved street tree list, is an unlawful act under Section 3.9.204(A) and Section 3.9.201(A), punishable under the General Penalty, Section 1.1.201: up to a $2,500.00 fine and up to 189 days in jail. The City Forester can also require removal of a non-conforming or unpermitted planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant any tree species in the parkway strip in front of my house?
No. Section 3.9.104(B)(2)(b) requires the species be on the City Forester's approved street tree list and compatible with both the planting site and the width of the right-of-way, and you must have a City Forester's permit before planting under Section 3.9.104(A)(1).
How long does the City take to approve a street tree planting permit?
The City Forester must grant or deny the application within five business days of submission, per Section 3.9.104(B)(3). Denials can be appealed to the Director of Public Works under Section 3.9.309.
What can get a street tree planting permit denied in Colorado Springs?
Under Section 3.9.104(B)(2), a permit can be denied if the species isn't on the approved street tree list, isn't compatible with the site or right-of-way width, or if the planting would impede safe use of the right-of-way, obstruct signs or signals, or block the intersection sight-visibility triangle required by Section 3.9.202(C).
What if I already planted a tree in the right-of-way without a permit?
Section 3.9.201(A) requires the property owner to maintain or remove any woody vegetation planted in the right-of-way after January 1, 2020 without a City Forester's permit, and planting without one is separately an unlawful act under Section 3.9.204(A) subject to the Code's General Penalty.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Colorado Springs

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Colorado Springs rules

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