Salt Lake City Tree Removal Permits & Planting Rules

Land Use and Zoning Utah 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah regulates removal and planting of trees on public property and the public right-of-way to protect urban canopy and public safety. This guide explains when permits are generally required, which city office enforces rules, typical enforcement steps, and how to start an application. For property owners, contractors, and community groups the primary contacts are the City Urban Forestry program and the municipal code that governs street trees and public-tree care.

Permits and When They Are Required

Trees located in the public right-of-way or on city property typically require approval before removal or substantial pruning; private-property removals may be regulated when the tree is protected by ordinance or located in a setback or historic district. For official permitting rules and definitions, consult the city Urban Forestry program and the Salt Lake City municipal code. Salt Lake City Urban Forestry[1] and the municipal code set the controlling standards and definitions Salt Lake City Code of Ordinances[2].

Always check whether the tree sits in the public right-of-way before hiring a contractor.

Typical permit triggers

  • Removal or major pruning of trees in the public right-of-way or on city property.
  • Work within tree critical-root zones that could damage public trees or street infrastructure.
  • Planting that alters tree species, size, or placement in regulated public spaces.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by Salt Lake City departments responsible for urban forestry, parks, and public works; actions and penalties vary by whether the tree is on public property, in the right-of-way, or protected by code. Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited pages; see the municipal code and Urban Forestry contact for current penalties and enforcement procedures Salt Lake City Code of Ordinances[2] and Salt Lake City Urban Forestry[1]. Current as of February 2026.

If you remove a public tree without approval you may be liable for replacement or fines.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: replacement tree orders, work stop-orders, restoration directives, or court actions may be imposed.
  • Enforcer and inspection: Salt Lake City Urban Forestry (Parks & Public Lands) and Public Works inspect and enforce; contact details below.
  • Appeals/review: procedure and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; contact the enforcing department for appeal steps.
  • Defences/discretion: permits, variances, emergency-removal declarations, or documented safety hazards can affect enforcement outcomes.

Applications & Forms

The city maintains permit and request processes via Urban Forestry; specific form names, numbers, and fees are not specified on the cited pages. To obtain applications or submission instructions, contact Urban Forestry directly or visit the municipal code and department pages for forms and online application portals Urban Forestry[1].

How the Review Process Usually Works

  • Pre-application inquiry and site identification with Urban Forestry.
  • Submission of required permit request, photos, and site plan as directed by the department.
  • Inspection by city staff and written determination (approve, approve with conditions, deny).
  • If approved, permit holder completes work per conditions; restoration or replacement may be required.
Replacement planting is commonly required when public trees are removed.

Common Violations

  • Removing or pruning public/right-of-way trees without approval.
  • Failing to follow approved pruning or replacement conditions.
  • Damaging tree roots or trunks during construction without protective measures.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my private property?
Permits are typically required for trees in the public right-of-way or on city property; private-property removals may be regulated if the tree is protected or in a designated district—contact Urban Forestry to confirm.
How do I report illegal tree removal or damage?
Report incidents to Salt Lake City Urban Forestry or the city non-emergency line; use the department contact pages for complaint submission and documentation instructions.
Will I be required to replace a removed tree?
Replacement planting or payment into a tree fund is commonly required when the city authorizes tree removal; specific replacement requirements are set by the approving department.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the tree is in the public right-of-way or on private property.
  2. Contact Salt Lake City Urban Forestry to request guidance and confirm permit needs. Contact Urban Forestry[1]
  3. Submit the required permit request, photos, and site plan per department instructions; pay any applicable fees as directed.
  4. Allow inspection and follow any conditions, including approved removal methods and replacement planting.
  5. If you disagree with a decision, ask the enforcing department about appeal or review options and time limits.
Start with a phone call to Urban Forestry before hiring a contractor.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-of-way and public-property trees are typically regulated and require city approval.
  • Contact Urban Forestry early to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Salt Lake City Urban Forestry - Parks & Public Lands
  2. [2] Salt Lake City Code of Ordinances - library.municode.com

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