Prescott Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Yavapai County, Arizona

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

Prescott Land Development Code landscape and tree preservation provisions govern tree preservation during development review. Ponderosa pine country sub-regime applies: Pinus ponderosa and Gambel oak are the dominant protected canopy species. Tree preservation required during site plan approval; replacement required for removed qualifying trees.

Protected Species

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana) Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) and other forest natives.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Larger-diameter ponderosa pine and specimen trees identified during site plan review receive preservation priority. Heritage designation may apply to trees of exceptional size, age, or historical significance at Planning and Zoning Commission discretion.

Permit Requirements

Tree preservation plan required at site plan submittal. Removal of qualifying trees requires mitigation per Land Development Code. Right-of-way tree work requires Public Works coordination.

Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent; tree preservation plans prepared by ISA Certified Arborist or qualified forester

Required Report Sections

Tree inventory with species, DBH, location, condition; preservation plan; replacement plan with caliper mitigation

Replacement Requirements

Caliper-inch or DBH-inch mitigation for removed qualifying trees per Land Development Code

On-site replacement preferred with ponderosa pine or approved native species; payment to city tree fund where applicable.

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

4-8 weeks for tree preservation review as part of development submittal

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist or qualified forester

Municipal Code

Prescott Land Development Code (landscape and tree preservation provisions)

View full ordinance

Contact

Community Development Department

(928) 777-1207

Other Arizona cities

Avondale Casa Grande Gilbert Kingman Lake Havasu City Phoenix Scottsdale Tucson
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 Prescott before submitting permits or reports.

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

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

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

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