Trees on private residential property in Tempe can generally be removed without a city permit unless they are protected native species under ARS 3-901. Protected species (saguaro, palo verde, ironwood) require an Arizona Department of Agriculture permit. City street trees cannot be removed by residents. New development must include tree preservation in landscape plans.
Tree removal on private property in Tempe follows Arizona state law. Non-protected tree species on your property can generally be removed without a city permit. Protected native plants under ARS 3-901 (saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, barrel cacti, and others) require a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture before removal, even on private property. Fines for unauthorized removal of protected plants can reach $100,000. Trees in the public right-of-way (street trees, median trees) are city property and cannot be removed or significantly trimmed by adjacent property owners without authorization. Branches overhanging your property from a neighbor's tree may be trimmed to the property line. During development review, Tempe requires landscape plans that address existing significant trees — preservation, transplanting, or replacement may be required. The city's urban forestry program prioritizes canopy preservation and expansion.
Unauthorized removal of protected native plants carries state penalties up to $100,000. Removing city street trees may require replacement at the owner's cost.
Tempe, AZ
Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exc...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 20) and animal control regulations. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors ca...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe requires vehicles to park on approved hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on dirt, gravel, or landscaped areas is prohibited. ...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet in height. Fences exceeding 6 feet, masonry walls, and fences...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code regulates fence materials in residential zones. Common permitted materials include block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vin...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's zoning code limits residential fence heights to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yards. Corner lots may have additional visibility t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle tree removal permits.
See how Tempe's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.