Denver requires a Tree Removal Permit from the Office of the City Forester for any tree in the public right-of-way (tree lawn between sidewalk and curb). On private property, removal of healthy trees over 8 inches DBH is discouraged but permit rules vary. Emerald Ash Borer-infested ash trees must be handled per city protocol.
Denver Parks and Recreation's Office of the City Forester has exclusive authority over trees in the public right-of-way (tree lawn/hell strip between curb and sidewalk, and park trees) under DRMC §57 and §39. Any pruning, removal, or planting of right-of-way trees requires a free permit from the City Forester and must be performed by a Denver-licensed tree service (there are 200+ licensed companies). Homeowners cannot remove ROW trees themselves. Replacement is required at a 1:1 ratio with approved species from the city tree list. The city has been battling Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) since its Denver detection in 2023; about 15% of the city canopy (330,000 ash trees) is at risk. EAB-infested ash must be removed and disposed following USDA/CDA quarantine rules. On private property, tree removal generally does not require a permit, but trees within the Denver Landmark Historic Districts may require Landmark approval. Denver's Game Plan for a Healthy City and Tree Equity initiatives target 30% canopy by 2040.
Unauthorized ROW tree removal: $500 to $999 per tree plus replacement cost (often $1,000+). Using unlicensed tree service on ROW: citation to both homeowner and company. EAB quarantine violation: CDA state fines.
Denver County, CO
Denver DRMC Chapter 36 sets quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM in residential zones. Residential limit is 55 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime. Violations can reach $5,000/day.
Denver County, CO
Denver has no outright ban on leaf blowers but phases in restrictions on gas-powered commercial landscape equipment. DRMC Chapter 36 noise limits apply, and ...
Denver County, CO
Denver requires driveways to meet setback and width standards. Blocking the public sidewalk is prohibited. Curb cuts require a permit from DOTI.
Denver County, CO
Denver limits large commercial vehicle parking on residential streets to 2 hours. A 2023 ordinance expanded restrictions citywide. Trucks used for active wor...
Denver County, CO
Denver requires a zoning permit for fences between 4–6 feet. Over-height (6+ ft) fences require an additional over-height fence permit. Historic properties r...
Denver County, CO
Colorado's Good Neighbor Fence Act (C.R.S. §35-46-112) applies. Denver does not mandate cost-sharing, but neighbors may negotiate. Disputes over boundary fen...
See how Denver County's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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