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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Prescott'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 tree preservation review as part of development submittal. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    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. Heritage / landmark designation: 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.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Prescott: Property owner or authorized agent; tree preservation plans prepared by ISA Certified Arborist or qualified forester.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree inventory with species, DBH, location, condition; preservation plan; replacement plan with caliper mitigation. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist or qualified forester.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Community Development Department. Typical processing time: 4-8 weeks for tree preservation review as part of development submittal. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.prescott-az.gov/community-development.

    View the full Prescott ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

Community Development Department

(928) 777-1207

Other Arizona permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Prescott permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment