Aurora Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Arapahoe County, Colorado

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

6.0" DBH minimum for protection

Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Street and park trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size. Ash species subject to Emerald Ash Borer management requirements.

Protected Species

Native and drought-adapted species prioritized; ash species (Fraxinus) subject to EAB treatment or removal requirements.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Significant Trees defined under Aurora Unified Development Ordinance Section 146 (Landscaping) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger Tree Preservation Plan review and 1:1 to 2:1 mitigation; street and park trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size; ash species subject to Emerald Ash Borer management — Aurora's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation.

Permit Requirements

Tree Preservation Plan required during development review. City Forester approval required for public tree work. Arborist license required for commercial tree services.

Who can apply: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service company

Required Report Sections

Tree inventory with DBH, species, condition, retention plan, mitigation plan

Replacement Requirements

1:1 to 2:1 mitigation based on tree size and condition

On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree mitigation fund when infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

3-6 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Aurora Unified Development Ordinance Section 146 (Landscaping)

View full ordinance

Contact

Parks, Recreation and Open Space / Forestry

(303) 739-7160

Nearby Cities in Arapahoe County

Centennial Englewood Littleton

Other Colorado cities

Arvada Commerce City Denver Durango Englewood Grand Junction Steamboat Springs Wheat Ridge
See all Colorado cities →

Compare with nearby cities

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

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

See Colorado replacement obligations compared: How Aurora's replacement ratio ranks in Colorado →

See Colorado heritage criteria compared: How Aurora's heritage designation ranks in Colorado →

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