How to apply for a tree removal permit in Aurora, Colorado

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

Expected processing time: 3-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 6" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. 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. Heritage / landmark designation: 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.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Aurora: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service company.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree inventory with DBH, species, condition, retention plan, mitigation plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Parks, Recreation and Open Space / Forestry. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.auroragov.org/.

    View the full Aurora ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

Parks, Recreation and Open Space / Forestry

(303) 739-7160

Other Colorado permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Aurora permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment