Tree Removal & Planting Ordinance - Tempe Junction

Land Use and Zoning Arizona 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Tempe Junction, Arizona requires permits and compliance for the removal and planting of trees on public and private property to protect urban canopy and public safety. This guide summarizes the local rules, who enforces them, application steps, common violations, and how to appeal or report problems, using the closest available official Tempe municipal resources. Specific code text, fees, and forms are cited where available; where a figure or form is not published on the cited page, the text states that it is "not specified on the cited page". The material reflects the official sources used and is current as of February 2026.

Overview of Tree Regulations

Local tree rules typically address protected species, significant tree diameter thresholds, public-right-of-way trees, and requirements for replacement planting. In Tempe, the municipal code and urban forestry program set standards for permits, removal, pruning, and planting review. For program details and their administrative contacts, see the city urban forestry and municipal code pages[1][2].

Always check the official city page before starting any removal or planting work.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the city department responsible for urban forestry, planning, or code compliance. Where the municipal code specifies penalties, those provisions apply; where amounts or escalation are absent from the cited page, the guide notes "not specified on the cited page."

  • Fines: specific dollar amounts for unauthorized removal or failure to comply are not consistently published on the cited page and are "not specified on the cited page"; check the municipal code link for exact amounts[2].
  • Escalation: the municipal code may provide increased fines for repeat or continuing offences; the cited pages do not list a uniform escalation schedule and state "not specified on the cited page"[2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: typical remedies include stop-work orders, mandatory replacement planting, restoration orders, and civil abatement or court action when required.
  • Enforcer and inspections: urban forestry or planning/code enforcement staff perform inspections and issue orders; official department contact information appears on the city urban forestry page[1].
  • Complaint pathways: residents may report suspected unlawful removals or dangerous trees through the city code enforcement or urban forestry request pages; follow the official reporting procedure found on the city site[1].
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes may include administrative review or hearing before a designated board; specific time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the enforcing department[2].
Penalties and exact procedures vary by ordinance section, so confirm with the enforcing department before acting.

Applications & Forms

The city typically uses a tree removal or tree permit application processed by planning or urban forestry. The official pages referenced name the permit type but do not always publish a standardized form or fee table; where a form or fee is not posted, it is noted as "not specified on the cited page". To obtain forms, contact the listed department or visit the city's permit portal[1].

How to Comply - Action Steps

  • Determine whether the tree is on private property, public right-of-way, or a protected species; consult the municipal code definitions[2].
  • Apply for a tree removal or planting permit if required; submit any required plans, mitigation proposals, and fees to the city planning or urban forestry office.
  • Wait for inspection and written approval before removing or planting any regulated tree.
  • If assessed fines or restoration orders, follow payment or remediation instructions and use appeal routes if eligible.
When in doubt, request a site inspection to confirm permit requirements.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on private property?
It depends on the tree's size, species, and location; consult the municipal code and the urban forestry office for thresholds and exemptions.[2]
What if a tree is hazardous and needs immediate removal?
If a tree poses an immediate public safety hazard, contact urban forestry or code enforcement for emergency procedures and notification requirements; emergency removals may still require post-removal reporting.[1]
Are replacement trees required after removal?
Many ordinances require replacement planting or mitigation; the cited city pages reference replacement requirements but do not publish a uniform replacement schedule on the cited page.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify the tree location and species and review the municipal definitions and thresholds.
  2. Contact the city urban forestry or planning office to confirm whether a permit is required and request the applicable application[1].
  3. If a permit is required, prepare and submit the application, site plan, photos, and any fees as instructed by the department.
  4. Schedule or await inspection; comply with any mitigation, replanting, or work conditions listed in the permit.
  5. If issued a violation or fine, follow the payment or remediation instructions and file an administrative appeal within the time limit stated by the enforcing department (verify the deadline with the department).

Key Takeaways

  • Always verify permit requirements before removing or planting regulated trees.
  • Contact urban forestry or planning for site-specific guidance and to obtain official forms.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City Urban Forestry - Parks & Recreation
  2. [2] Tempe Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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