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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Longmont'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. Public trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size. Ash species subject to EAB management. Heritage / landmark designation: Significant Trees defined under Longmont Municipal Code Chapter 14.20 (Forestry) at 6-inch DBH or greater on development sites trigger Tree Preservation Plan review; public trees regulated by Forestry Division regardless of size; commercial tree services must be licensed — Longmont's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Longmont: 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 and Natural Resources / Forestry Division. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/forestry.

    View the full Longmont ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1). On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible.

Where to file

Parks and Natural Resources / Forestry Division

(303) 651-8416

Other Colorado permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Longmont permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment