Loveland, CO Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Routine tree removal on a Loveland single-family residential lot is not subject to a general tree-removal permit. Permit triggers in Loveland fall into two distinct categories. First, right-of-way and city-property trees: it is unlawful for any person to knowingly plant or remove a tree on city-owned right-of-way or other city property without the written consent of the City, and the City Engineer or Urban Forester may require an owner to trim or remove any tree projecting onto the right-of-way. Removals are coordinated through the Urban Forester at 970-962-3459. Second, development-context trees: Title 18 Unified Development Code defines Significant Tree at § 4557 and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) at § 4561. Trees designated as Significant under the UDC, trees within required landscape material, trees within required buffer yards, and trees designated for retention as a condition of site-plan or subdivision approval may not be removed without Loveland Development Services review and approval. Replacement is generally required when removal is authorized in the development context. The Loveland Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Preparedness and Management Plan governs the removal and replacement of ash trees on city property; private-property ash removals are not directly permitted by the City but are coordinated through Urban Forestry outreach. Colorado law does not preempt municipal tree-removal regulation in the same way some states do, but Loveland has consistently chosen to limit its permit reach to development and right-of-way contexts rather than imposing a universal private-property removal permit.