Tree ordinance?! Permits?! For trees and shrubs? Many people are unaware there is an ordinance which governs plants on City property.

Chapter 701 of the Revised Code of the City of Indianapolis refers to Trees and Flora.

Any plant material in the City/County right of way. Indicates the responsibilities of private property owners and the City.

Right of Ways
City-owned property along streets extending beyond the edge of the road.
Vary greatly throughout the city and can be different for every block. 2' or over 30'.
The permitting process helps determine this distance, when Forestry is contacted, we can provide information on R/W and the protocol for obtaining permits.

Examples- lawn strip between street and sidewalk. Permit required for any work in this area, planting or pruning

Outlines what should and should not be done to plants on City property.

Indy Parks Forestry is responsible for the enforcement of Chapter 701.

Includes installation of plant materials, maintenance and long-term care of our City's trees.

Purpose- public safety... and protect the Urban Forest. It is the responsibility of the City and the Citizen to take care of trees and protect people and property.

Prevents trees from being damaged, or injured in a manner that compromises safety and health.

Process of enforcement is indicated within the Ordinance.

Violation process- Verbal and / or written notification of any violation with a prescribed deadline for compliance.

Private property owner is liable and responsible for maintenance of plants around public property.

Permit Process
Permits are required when any work is to be done on or around trees/flora on City-owned property. Just as importantly, when any planting is to be done on City-owned property.

Purpose- monitoring system to assist the Community Foresters in protecting and maintaining a safe and healthy Urban Forest.

Ensure trees are not removed needlessly. Actually, only dead or hazardous trees are removed.
Ensure trees are being maintained properly, PRUNING, NOT TOPPING!
Appropriate tree species are being planted in the right locations, RIGHT TREE, RIGHT PLACE.
Hazardous situations are not being created... blocking sight lines, utility conflicts, damaging root systems, for example.

Examples-
Cutting trees down, just for firewood or because it is in the way of a satellite dish.
Planting trees, which might block the view of traffic or pedestrians.

Flora Permit Application