Fort Collins Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide
Larimer County, Colorado
Protected Tree Definition
Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Public trees regulated by City Forester regardless of size. Tree preservation standards apply during Land Use Code review.
Protected Species
Heritage / Landmark Trees
Significant Trees defined under Fort Collins Land Use Code Section 3.2.1 (Landscaping and Tree Protection) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger mitigation calculation and replacement requirements based on condition rating and size; public trees regulated by City Forester regardless of size — Fort Collins's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation.
Permit Requirements
Tree mitigation plan required for significant tree removal on development sites. City Forester approval required for public tree work.
Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent with arborist assessment
Required Report Sections
Tree inventory, species, DBH, condition rating, mitigation calculation, replacement plan
Replacement Requirements
Mitigation based on condition rating and size (typically 1:1 to 2:1)
On-site replacement preferred; payment to tree mitigation fund when infeasible.
Fees & Fines
Processing Time
3-6 weeks
Required Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist
Municipal Code
Fort Collins Land Use Code Section 3.2.1 (Landscaping and Tree Protection)
View full ordinanceContact
Parks Department / City Forester
(970) 221-6660
forestry@fcgov.comNearby Cities in Larimer County
Other Colorado cities
Compare with nearby cities
Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Fort Collins before submitting permits or reports.
Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Fort Collins →
See Colorado replacement obligations compared: How Fort Collins's replacement ratio ranks in Colorado →
See Colorado heritage criteria compared: How Fort Collins's heritage designation ranks in Colorado →
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