Tempe Tree Permit Rules - Planting & Removal

Land Use and Zoning Arizona 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

In Tempe, Arizona, city rules govern street and public-tree planting, trimming, and removal to protect public safety, utilities, and the urban canopy. This guide summarizes how permits and enforcement typically work in Tempe, links to official city code and departmental pages, and explains action steps for property owners, landscapers, and developers seeking to plant or remove trees within city right-of-way or on city-managed land[1][2][3].

What the rules cover

Rules commonly distinguish: private yard trees, street/right-of-way trees, and trees on city-owned property. Requirements may vary for species, pruning standards, root barriers, and proximity to sidewalks, utilities, or drainage features.

Penalties & Enforcement

The municipal code and city department pages are the primary sources for enforcement rules and penalties. Specific fine amounts and fee schedules for unauthorized removal, damage, or failure to obtain required permits are not always listed in summary pages and may be set in the municipal code or by municipal administrative rule; where amounts or escalation steps are not shown on the cited page they are noted as such below.[1]

  • Fines: specific dollar amounts for unauthorized removal or damage to public trees are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence escalation is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the city may order restoration, replacement planting, corrective pruning, or recovery of abatement costs; exact remedies are not fully specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Urban Forestry or the Community Development/Planning department typically enforces tree rules; contact and complaint routes are provided on the city pages cited below.[2]
  • Appeals and review: formal appeal routes and statutory time limits are referenced in municipal procedures or code; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Contact the listed city department before removing or altering trees in public areas.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes permit procedures for work affecting public trees or rights-of-way. The exact form names, form numbers, fees, and electronic submission steps are not consistently shown on summary pages; see the official permit and code pages below for forms, or contact the department for the current application packet.[3]

  • Typical documents: tree permit application, planting plan, species list, and insurance/waiver information — availability of a downloadable form is not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees: permit and inspection fees may apply; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Deadlines: turnaround and appeal deadlines are set by the city; specific timeframes are not specified on the cited page.

How to comply - action steps

  • Confirm whether the tree is on private property, in the public right-of-way, or on city land by checking parcel and right-of-way boundaries.
  • Contact Tempe Urban Forestry or Community Development to ask whether a permit is required and request the current application packet[2].
  • Prepare required documents (site plan, species, contractor license) and submit the permit application as directed on the city permits page[3].
  • If enforcement action occurs, review the notice, comply promptly, and use published appeal procedures if you dispute the decision; confirm deadlines with the enforcing department[1].
Always verify permit requirements with the city before work begins.

Common violations

  • Removing or substantially damaging a street tree without a permit.
  • Pruning or cutting within the public right-of-way without authorization.
  • Planting prohibited species or failing to follow approved planting standards.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in front of my house?
It depends on whether the tree is in the public right-of-way or on private property; contact Urban Forestry or Community Development to confirm and to learn permit requirements.[2]
Who inspects work on street trees?
Urban Forestry or the city inspector assigned by Community Development inspects permitted work; reporting and inspection contacts are listed on the city pages.[2]
What if a contractor cut a public tree without permission?
Report unauthorized work to the city immediately; the municipality may assess fines, require restoration, or pursue enforcement as allowed by code.[1]

How-To

  1. Determine tree ownership and whether the tree is within the city right-of-way.
  2. Contact Tempe Urban Forestry or Community Development to ask if a permit is required and request the application.[2]
  3. Complete the permit application with site plans, species, and contractor details; pay any posted fees.
  4. Schedule inspections as required and complete the work to city specifications.
  5. If cited, follow the enforcement notice instructions; file an appeal if eligible under municipal procedures.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check with Tempe before altering trees in rights-of-way.
  • Urban Forestry or Community Development handles permits and enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tempe Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of Tempe - Urban Forestry / Trees
  3. [3] City of Tempe - Permits & Inspections

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