Phoenix Tree Planting & Removal Rules - City Code

Land Use and Zoning Arizona 4 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona property owners must follow city rules when planting or removing trees on private property and in the public right-of-way. This guide summarizes department responsibilities, permit pathways, common compliance issues, and practical steps to apply, appeal, or report tree work in Phoenix. Consult the official Urban Forestry and Planning & Development sources cited below for the controlling procedures and any forms required.[1][2]

Overview

The City of Phoenix manages trees through Urban Forestry and Planning processes that cover street trees, public-right-of-way work, and certain private-property tree protections. Exact applicability depends on the tree location, species, and whether the tree is designated as protected by local code or policy. For details on program scope and contacts see the city Urban Forestry page and Planning & Development pages cited below.[1][2]

Contact Urban Forestry early to confirm whether a permit is required for your tree work.

Planting Requirements

Planting near sidewalks, utilities, or in the public right-of-way may require coordination with the city and adherence to approved species lists, planting distances, and planting methods. Private-property plantings that affect clearances, sidewalks, or city infrastructure can trigger inspections or remedial orders.

  • Setbacks and spacing: follow city spacing and clearance rules when planting near sidewalks or curb lines.
  • Species lists: the city maintains recommended or restricted species for public-right-of-way plantings.
  • Utility clearance: coordinate with utility providers and city public works when planting under or near lines.

Removal Permits

Removal of trees in the public right-of-way almost always requires a permit and coordination with Urban Forestry. Removal of certain trees on private property may also require permits or approvals if the tree is protected by municipal code or if removal affects city infrastructure. Verify permit requirements and application steps with Planning & Development and Urban Forestry.[1][2]

  • Street-tree removal: permit and city scheduling are required for trees in the public right-of-way.
  • Protected private trees: removal may need review under local code or site plan conditions.
  • Emergencies: report hazardous trees to city contact points for expedited response.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of Phoenix departments listed below; specific fines, fee amounts, and escalation schedules are set in city code or departmental rules where published. If a specific penalty or fee is not shown on the cited official page, this guide notes that it is not specified on the cited page.

  • Enforcer: Urban Forestry and Planning & Development are primary enforcers for trees, permits, and related public-right-of-way work.[1][2]
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for municipal-code penalties; consult the municipal code link for exact fine amounts and citations.[3]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures and ranges are not specified on the cited page; check the municipal code for escalation rules.[3]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: typical remedies include stop-work or remedial orders, required replanting, restoration of public infrastructure, and referral to court where necessary; specifics are set in code or departmental rulebooks.[3]
  • Inspections and complaints: inspections are scheduled by Urban Forestry or Planning staff after a permit application or complaint; use the official contact and complaint pathways listed below.[1]
If you cut or remove a tree without required permits you may face remedial orders and fines.

Applications & Forms

The city provides permit applications and guidance through the Planning & Development Department and Urban Forestry. Fees, application names or numbers, and submission methods are published by those offices; if a form number or fee is not visible on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page and applicants should contact the department directly.[2][1]

  • How to submit: permit applications are typically submitted to Planning & Development online or at a permit center; contact details are on the PDD page.[2]
  • Fees: specific permit fees are not specified on the cited pages; check the department fee schedules or contact the office.[2]

Compliance & Common Violations

Common violations include unpermitted removal of street trees, planting prohibited species in the right-of-way, failing to obtain required clearances, and damaging roots or sidewalks without remediation. Typical administrative steps: notice, inspection, remedial order, and if unresolved, fines or court referral.[3]

  • Unpermitted removal of street trees.
  • Planting or pruning that endangers sidewalks, utilities, or public safety.
  • Failure to comply with restoration or replanting orders.

How to

  1. Confirm tree location and ownership: determine whether the tree is in the public right-of-way or on private property.
  2. Contact Urban Forestry for guidance and pre-application review.[1]
  3. Submit the permit application to Planning & Development with required documents, photos, and site plans.[2]
  4. Schedule or await inspection: the city will inspect and issue approvals or remedial instructions.
  5. Pay applicable fees and comply with any mitigation or replanting conditions.
Start with Urban Forestry to avoid submitting unnecessary applications.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?
It depends on location and designation; removal of trees in the public right-of-way typically requires a permit and some private-property removals may also require approval — check Urban Forestry and Planning & Development for specifics.[1][2]
Where do I submit a tree removal application?
Submit through the City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department or the online permit portal indicated on the PDD page; contact details are on the department site.[2]
What happens if I remove a protected tree without permission?
The city may issue orders for restoration, assess fines, and require replanting or other remedial measures; check the municipal code for exact penalties where published.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Urban Forestry first to confirm whether a permit is required.
  • Permits are commonly required for public right-of-way trees and some protected private trees.
  • Use Planning & Development for permit submission and official fee schedules.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Phoenix - Urban Forestry
  2. [2] City of Phoenix - Planning & Development Department
  3. [3] Phoenix Code of Ordinances (Municode)

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data