Lakewood Tree Removal Permit Requirements

Land Use and Zoning Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Lakewood, Colorado, removal of public trees and many private trees is regulated by city urban forestry and municipal code to protect canopy and manage hazards. This guide explains who enforces tree removal rules, when a permit is required, how to apply, timelines, and what to do if you receive a notice or violation. It cites Lakewood's official urban forestry resources and the Lakewood municipal code; where exact fees or penalty amounts are not published on those pages, the text notes that fact and points to the enforcing office for current figures.[1]

When a Tree Permit Is Required

Permits are generally required for removal of trees on public property, street trees, and for certain tree removals on private property when construction or development is involved. Exemptions (for hazard removals, emergency work, or certain maintenance) are described by the city's urban forestry program and permit rules.[1]

How the Rule Works

  • Permit required: removal of street trees, public right-of-way trees, and removals tied to land development or site disturbance.
  • Inspections: city arborists inspect trees and may require replacement planting or mitigation.
  • Timing: certain removals are restricted by season or nesting periods; check with urban forestry before scheduling work.
Always consult the city's urban forestry staff before removing or trimming trees to confirm permit needs.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Lakewood's urban forestry division within the appropriate city department; violations may generate notices, mitigation orders, administrative fines, or civil enforcement. Specific monetary fines and escalation steps are not specified on the cited pages; see the city contacts for current penalty amounts and procedures.[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; contact the enforcement office for current schedules.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not detailed on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: replacement planting, stop-work orders, restoration directives, or referral to municipal court are possible remedies noted by the city.
  • Enforcer: City Urban Forestry / Parks or Public Works (contact details in Resources).
  • Appeals: formal appeal or review routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; contact the city for appeal deadlines.
If you receive a stop-work or violation notice, do not remove additional trees until instructed by the city.

Applications & Forms

  • Tree permit application: the city provides an application or permit request process through Urban Forestry or the permit center; check the official urban forestry page for the current form.[1]
  • Fees: specific permit or mitigation fee amounts are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Submission: submit applications to the City of Lakewood permit center or urban forestry office as directed on the city's site.

Action Steps

  • Contact Urban Forestry to verify whether your tree needs a permit and request an inspection.
  • Obtain and complete the official tree permit application before starting removal.
  • If cited, follow the ordered mitigation (planting or restoration) and ask for appeal instructions in writing.
Permit, replacement, or mitigation requirements are enforced to protect canopy and public safety.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree on my private property?
It depends; dead hazard removals are often expedited or exempt, but confirm with Lakewood Urban Forestry to document the hazard and avoid penalties.
How long does permit review typically take?
Review times are not specified on the cited page; contact the urban forestry office or permit center for current processing times.
Who do I call to report unauthorized tree removal?
Report unauthorized removals to City of Lakewood Urban Forestry or the code enforcement/permit center; see Resources for contact pages.

How-To

  1. Contact City of Lakewood Urban Forestry to discuss the tree and determine if a permit is required.
  2. Obtain the official tree permit application from the city's urban forestry or permit center and complete required documentation and site plans.
  3. Submit the application and pay any stated fees; schedule an inspection if requested by city staff.
  4. If permit is approved, complete removal per permit conditions and arrange required replacement planting or mitigation.
  5. If you receive a violation, follow instructions on the notice and contact the issuing office for appeal or review instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check with Lakewood Urban Forestry before removing trees to confirm permit needs.
  • Replacement or mitigation may be required for permitted removals.
  • Contact the city for up-to-date fees, penalties, and appeal procedures.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Lakewood - Urban Forestry
  2. [2] Lakewood Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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