Phoenix Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Maricopa County, Arizona

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

No citywide DBH-based private tree removal permit. Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Section 507 (Landscape and Buffer Standards) governs required landscape plantings and preservation during development review. Native Plant Preservation requirements apply in designated zones (e.g., Desert Preservation overlays) where saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite, and ocotillo must be inventoried and preserved or transplanted. Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901 et seq.) applies to private undeveloped land statewide regardless of municipal code.

Protected Species

Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) ironwood (Olneya tesota) palo verde (Parkinsonia spp.) mesquite (Prosopis spp.) ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) and other Sonoran desert natives protected under ARS Title 3 Chapter 7 and by municipal native-plant overlays.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

No formal municipal heritage-tree designation. Street trees in the right-of-way are regulated by Parks and Recreation / Street Transportation. Native plants on development sites receive inventory and preservation review under landscape standards.

Permit Requirements

Landscape plan review required at development review for applicable zoning districts. Street or right-of-way tree work requires permission from Parks and Recreation / Street Transportation. Native plant salvage/transplant per Arizona Native Plant Law applies to applicable private undeveloped land before clearing.

Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent; development projects coordinated through registered landscape architect or design professional

Required Report Sections

Landscape plan showing existing plant material, preservation areas, transplant plan, replacement schedule; Native Plant Inventory where overlay applies

Replacement Requirements

Landscape code-based replacement (site-specific by zone and project type); salvaged native plants reused on-site where feasible

On-site preservation and transplant preferred; replacement plantings per landscape standards. No dedicated city tree-mitigation fund.

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

4-8 weeks for landscape plan review as part of development submittal

Required Certifications

Landscape plans typically prepared by Arizona-registered landscape architect; ISA Certified Arborist recommended for arborist reports

Municipal Code

Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Section 507 (Landscape and Buffer Standards); Native Plant Preservation overlay provisions in applicable sections

View full ordinance

Contact

Planning and Development Department

(602) 262-7131

Nearby Cities in Maricopa County

Avondale Buckeye Chandler Gilbert

Other Arizona cities

Apache Junction Avondale Buckeye Flagstaff Gilbert Glendale Lake Havasu City Queen Creek
See all Arizona cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Phoenix before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Phoenix →

See Arizona replacement obligations compared: How Phoenix's replacement ratio ranks in Arizona →

See Arizona heritage criteria compared: How Phoenix's heritage designation ranks in Arizona →

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