What is the difference between specimen trees, protected trees, and non-protected trees?
Specimen trees are the only ones that require a tree removal permit. Removal of specimen trees would require going before the tree board (ECC) and then to Town Council for approval. The specimen tree removal permit process is the same for any property in Town that is under the tree ordinance. Protected trees are allowed to be removed from the buildable area on the site once they have an approved building permit. These do not require going through the tree removal permit process. Non-protected trees include tree species that are not on the Town’s protected tree list (cottonwood, hackberry, eastern red cedar, etc.), or trees that are smaller than six inches in diameter. Once a property is developed and a certificate of occupancy has been obtained, the tree ordinance does not apply and one could potentially remove any tree that lies outside of the floodplain.
