How to apply for a tree removal permit in Flagstaff, Arizona

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Flagstaff's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 6-10 weeks for Forest Resource review as part of development submittal. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Flagstaff Zoning Code Division 10-50.60 (Resource Protection Standards) requires Forest Resource Inventory and preservation for development in ponderosa pine forest. Tree preservation standards apply to all qualifying sites; replacement required for removed qualifying trees. This is a distinct sub-regime from Sonoran-desert Arizona cities: the protected canopy is ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) at 4-6 inch DBH and larger rather than native desert species. Heritage / landmark designation: Resource Protection Standards assign preservation priority to larger-diameter ponderosa pine and specimen trees identified during Forest Resource Inventory. No separate DBH-based heritage-tree designation; the inventory framework substitutes.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Flagstaff: Property owner or authorized agent; Forest Resource Inventory prepared by ISA Certified Arborist, Registered Consulting Arborist, or qualified forester.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Forest Resource Inventory with species, DBH, location, condition; preservation plan; replacement plan with caliper mitigation. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist, ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist, or qualified forester for Forest Resource Inventory.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Community Development Department. Typical processing time: 6-10 weeks for Forest Resource review as part of development submittal. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/1632/Zoning-Code.

    View the full Flagstaff ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Caliper-inch mitigation per Division 10-50.60 for removed qualifying trees; preservation percentages by zone. On-site replacement preferred with ponderosa pine or approved native; off-site replacement or in-lieu contribution permitted under some conditions.

Where to file

Community Development Department

(928) 213-2631

Other Arizona permit walkthroughs

See Arizona replacement obligations compared — how Flagstaff's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See Arizona heritage criteria compared — how Flagstaff's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Flagstaff permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Flagstaff's required report sections. Free, no account required.

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