Do you need a tree removal permit in Colorado Springs, CO?

We found no city-wide permit rule for private trees in Colorado Springs. Street trees, protected sites and county or HOA rules can still apply. In Colorado Springs, street trees (in the public right-of-way) need a City Forester permit for work done by a homeowner-hired tree service, and the permit is free. All such work must be done by a licensed tree service. Private trees are the landowner's responsibility, and we did not find a city permit rule for removing them. The city can order owners to remove dead trees or dangerous limbs on private property. The main rules document we read is from 2006, and the city says a new ordinance (26-53) took effect 5 October 2026, so confirm with City Forestry. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

City trees (planted in the right-of-way or on city property with City Forester approval) need a City Forester permit for pruning, spraying, removal, root pruning, planting or other work. The city's Significant Tree Program encourages designating notable trees; on private property the owner must approve a nomination.

Street trees are trees in the public right-of-way between the curb or road edge and the property line, including the strip between sidewalk and curb. Where the sidewalk is attached to the curb, the right-of-way usually extends into the yard; the distance varies by street. Under the 2006 rules, the city generally sprays, prunes and removes street trees, and owners water and fertilize them. Homeowners who hire a licensed tree service to do street tree work at their own expense must first get a free City Forester permit. Trees and shrubs on private property must keep the lowest overhanging branch at least 14 feet above streets and alleys and 8 feet above sidewalks, and must not block streetlights, signals or signs.

The City Forester can order the owner of any property with dead trees or overhanging limbs dangerous to life, limb or property to remove them within a reasonable time. If the owner does not, the city can do the work at the owner's expense. Diseased, infested or dangerous trees can also get a notice and order to fix them.

The city's Forestry page says homeowners can apply for a Forestry Permit online to work on a City tree, and that a licensed tree service can help with the permit. City Forestry phone: 719-385-5942.

If an owner ignores a notice to remove dead or dangerous trees, the city can do the work and charge the cost to the property owner.

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.