Tree removal in Windsor: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Windsor Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Windsor's code says

Windsor code What Windsor's code adds
Exemptions	Emergency removal is allowed when a protected tree is an immediate threat to public safety or welfare. Applies: Confirmed by the Director, police or Fire District; owner files documentation and a removal application within 5 days after. § 17.22.030 · code text Cases of emergency where the Director, a member of a law enforcement agency, or the Fire District, determines that a protected tree poses an imminent threat to the public safety, or general welfare. Exempt: removing or moving trees to keep required sight lines for traffic. Applies: As required by the Town's Traffic Engineer or Public Works Director. § 17.22.030 · code text Removal or relocation of trees necessary to maintain adequate line-of-sight distances as required by the Town's Traffic Engineer or Public Works Director. Exempt: removing trees to protect existing overhead power lines. Applies: As determined by the Public Works Director. § 17.22.030 · code text Removal of trees for the protection of existing overhead electrical power lines, as determined by the Public Works Director.
Penalty	The owner may face penalties if the Town finds no reasonable basis for an emergency. Applies: A tree removed during a claimed emergency. § 17.22.030 · code text If the Town determines that there was no reasonable basis for believing there was an emergency, the property owner may face penalties for violating this chapter.
Permit to remove	Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Removing or relocating protected trees in all zones, unless an exception applies. § 17.22.030 · code text The provisions of this section shall apply in all zoning districts for the removal or relocation of protected trees as identified in Subsection 17.22.030.F (Protected Trees). Exceptions to the provisions established in this section are outlined in Subsection 17.22.030.C (Exceptions), below. No Town review or approval is needed. Applies: A partly failed tree on private property threatening people or property; documentation and a removal application are due within 5 days after. § 17.22.030 · code text When a tree has partially failed and persons or property are threatened, the tree may be removed without Town review or approval.
Protected trees	Native oak species listed in the code, 6 inches or greater in trunk diameter. Applies: Trunk diameter is measured 4 feet 6 inches above the surrounding grade. § 17.22.030 · code text The following native oak trees six (6) inches or greater: California Buckeye, 6 inches or greater. Applies: Trunk diameter is measured 4 feet 6 inches above the surrounding grade. § 17.22.030 · code text California Buckeye (Aesculus, californica) six (6) inches or greater; California Bay, 12 inches or greater. Applies: Trunk diameter is measured 4 feet 6 inches above the surrounding grade. § 17.22.030 · code text California Bay (Umbellularia, californica) twelve (12) inches or greater. Heritage trees named by Council resolution. § 17.22.030 · code text Heritage trees as identified by Council resolution. Street trees. § 17.22.030 · code text Street trees. Significant groves or stands of trees. § 17.22.030 · code text Significant groves or stands of trees. Mature trees on a parcel of 1 acre or more. § 17.22.030 · code text Mature trees located on a parcel of one (1) acre or more. Trees required to be planted or preserved as environmental mitigation for a discretionary permit. § 17.22.030 · code text Any tree required to be planted or preserved, as environmental mitigation for a discretionary permit. A tree with at least one trunk meeting the species' diameter threshold. Applies: Multiple-trunk trees. § 17.22.030 · code text Multiple trunk trees must possess at least one (1) trunk with the above diameter (based on species) to be considered protected.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Windsor?

Windsor's code: Yes, a permit is required. (Removing or relocating protected trees in all zones, unless an exception applies.) (§ 17.22.030); Native oak species listed in the code, 6 inches or greater in trunk diameter. (Trunk diameter is measured 4 feet 6 inches above the surrounding grade.) (§ 17.22.030).

Tree removal in Windsor

What Windsor's code says

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