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

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

Expected processing time: 4-8 weeks for landscape plan review as part of development submittal. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    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. Heritage / landmark designation: 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.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Phoenix: Property owner or authorized agent; development projects coordinated through registered landscape architect or design professional.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Landscape plan showing existing plant material, preservation areas, transplant plan, replacement schedule; Native Plant Inventory where overlay applies. Required certifications: Landscape plans typically prepared by Arizona-registered landscape architect; ISA Certified Arborist recommended for arborist reports.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Planning and Development Department. Typical processing time: 4-8 weeks for landscape plan review as part of development submittal. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd.

    View the full Phoenix ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

Planning and Development Department

(602) 262-7131

Other Arizona permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Phoenix permit?

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

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