Colorado Springs Urban Forestry HOA Rules

Land Use and Zoning Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Colorado
Colorado Springs, Colorado property owners and HOA boards must follow city urban forestry rules that govern trees in public rights-of-way, planting standards, removal procedures, and maintenance obligations. This guide explains who enforces tree rules, how HOAs and homeowners interact with city requirements, typical violations, and step-by-step actions to apply for permits, report problems, or appeal decisions.

Overview

The City of Colorado Springs Urban Forestry Division manages street trees, rights-of-way vegetation, and public-tree permits for work that affects city-owned trees. HOAs should coordinate with the Urban Forestry Division for public-tree pruning, removals, and planting to avoid penalties and preserve neighborhood canopy. For official program details and contacts, see the City Urban Forestry page City Urban Forestry[1].

Always contact the Urban Forestry Division before removing or altering trees in the public right-of-way.

What Rules Apply to HOAs

  • HOAs must not remove or damage city-owned trees in the right-of-way without city authorization.
  • HOA covenants may regulate private-property trees but cannot override city permits for public trees.
  • Planned work adjacent to public trees often requires coordination or a city permit; timelines for approval are described by the Urban Forestry Division.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City Urban Forestry Division within Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, often in coordination with Code Enforcement for violations affecting public safety or the public right-of-way. The city page identifies responsibilities and contact pathways but does not list specific fine amounts on that page; fine amounts and fee schedules are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: city orders to stop work, required corrective work, or abatement may be imposed; court action is a possible enforcement path.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: contact the Urban Forestry Division via the city contact page for inspections and complaints; see Help and Support for links.
  • Appeal and review: specific appeal procedures and time limits are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the Urban Forestry Division or Code Enforcement.
  • Defences and discretion: permitted work, emergency tree removals for safety, or approved variances are typical defenses but specific standards are not published on the cited page.
If you suspect unauthorized work on public trees, document the site with photos and contact Urban Forestry immediately.

Applications & Forms

The Urban Forestry Division describes permit requirements and services on its official page, but no single downloadable city-wide tree-permit form or fee table is published on that page; if a specific form is required the Urban Forestry Division provides it or directs applicants to the correct process.[1]

Common Violations

  • Unauthorized removal or pruning of right-of-way trees.
  • Damaging roots or soil compaction during construction without protective measures.
  • Failure to maintain trees that create hazards to pedestrians or traffic.
Common violations often arise from misunderstandings about which trees are city-owned versus private.

Action Steps for HOA Boards and Homeowners

  • Confirm tree ownership: verify whether a tree is in the public right-of-way before authorizing work.
  • Contact Urban Forestry for permits, inspections, or guidance prior to scheduling pruning or removal.
  • Document requests, approvals, and contractor credentials; require ISA-certified arborists for significant work.
  • If cited, follow the city’s correction order and file appeals as directed by the enforcing division.

FAQ

Who is responsible for trees in the street strip?
The City Urban Forestry Division is responsible for trees located in the public right-of-way; private-property trees remain the responsibility of homeowners or their HOA.
Do HOAs need a permit to trim trees near the sidewalk?
Work that affects city-owned trees or the right-of-way requires coordination or authorization from Urban Forestry; check with the division before work begins.
How do I report a hazardous tree?
Contact the City Urban Forestry Division through the city reporting/contact page for inspections and emergency response.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the tree is city-owned by consulting property maps or asking the Urban Forestry Division.
  2. Contact the Urban Forestry Division to request an inspection or permit guidance; follow their instructions regarding approved contractors.
  3. If work is authorized, obtain written approval and ensure contractors follow the city’s standards for pruning and protection.
  4. Keep records of permits, photos, and correspondence in case of disputes or code enforcement actions.

Key Takeaways

  • Always verify tree ownership before authorizing work.
  • Coordinate with Urban Forestry to avoid fines or corrective orders.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Colorado Springs Urban Forestry Division page

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