The ordinance of Westminster consists of a series of guidelines and regulations aimed at preserving trees within the city of Westminster.

Due to these ordinances, you are required to get a permit to remove any public trees in Westminster.

Get more information about tree removal and maintenance services in Westminster by going through this article. Also, get more clarity by visiting the Westminster Tree Ordinance official website.

Tree removal permit Westminster

No.

You do not need a permit to remove trees on your property except for the protected trees, heritage, and significant trees.

If your tree is on public land or is of benefit to the public, you need to get a permit. For public trees, a permit is required for any work to be done.

Still not sure?

If you are still unsure, it might be best to speak to a local tree service. They are all up to date on local laws and would be happy to give you free advice.

It’s worth noting that tree services are unable to remove trees illegally as they would face heavy fines, so giving you correct information is in their best interests also.

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Who is responsible for public trees in the city of Westminster?

The Director of parks, recreation, and libraries has the power to promulgate rules and regulations for any activity done on public trees. Some of the activities include planting, trimming, spraying, pruning, and protection of trees.

Does the city have the authority to remove trees on private property?

Yes. The Director of parks, recreation, and libraries is expected to offer notice to the property owner indicating what trees to remove or trim. The trees are those that abut the right of way of any street or any other public space.

The owner is given a 10-day period to comply with the notice failure. The Director of parks, recreation, and libraries or any other officer will work on the tree and the expense cost collected from the owner.

Tree removal permit Westminster 2

Removal and treatment of infected trees in the city of Westminster

The existence of tree diseases such as the Dutch Elm and Emerald Ash borer disease poses a threat to all tree species in the city. Therefore infected trees are required to be treated or disposed of to prevent the spread to uninfected trees.

The Director of parks, recreation, and libraries is authorized to inspect any tree on any property within the city. The Director is also required to conduct a survey and detect any disease and pest that endanger trees’ health.

If an infected tree is detected on any private property, the owner is given a written notice to remove or control the disease or pest. A specified reasonable time frame will be provided.

Failure to comply forces the city to access the private property, and remove or treat the infected trees, at the expense laid on the property owner.

Removal of dead or dangerous trees in the city of Westminster

The property owner’s sole duty is to remove dead, overhanging boughs, and dangerous trees that threaten the public. Failure to comply, the Director of Parks, recreation, and Libraries is authorized to remove or trim the tree at the owner’s expense.

Notice on tree removal on private property in the city of Westminster

Before any tree removal is done, a notice should be provided to the property owner. The city gives notice to property owners to remove trees that:

  • Obstruct city signs, warning lights, and other public signs
  • Are diseased or infected
  • Are a risk to the public
  • Obstruct the flow of traffic
  • Interfere with public utilities

The owner has 10 days to comply with the notice. The costs of removing and trimming the trees are to be paid by the property owner.

The owner can appeal against the notice if he or she thinks the notice given is not reasonable or has other alternatives to handle the problem.

Ben McInerney
Author: Ben McInerney - Ben is a qualified arborist with 15 plus years of industry experience in Arboriculture. He ran a successful tree service before turning to writing and publishing. Ben is dedicated to providing users with the most accurate up-to-date information on everything trees.