How Broken Arrow Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Broken Arrow maintains 41 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Broken Arrow falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Weed Ordinances

Broken Arrow enforces weed abatement. Oklahoma Noxious Weed Law (2 O.S. §3-101) applies statewide. County weed boards enforce.

Key details: Authority: City + county weed board. State Law: 2 O.S. §3-101. Vacant Lots: Annual notices. Cost: Owner pays abatement.

Notice to abate. City clears at owner’s expense ($150 to $500+). Administrative fee + property lien.

Tree Trimming

Broken Arrow Zoning Ordinance Section 4-3-4 addresses existing tree protection and replacement. Property owners must maintain trees to prevent hazards. Dead or hazardous trees must be removed. Oklahoma law allows trimming neighbor's branches at the property line without harming the tree's health. The city has development landscaping standards requiring tree preservation during construction.

Key details: Code Section: §4-3-4 Tree Protection. Hazard Trees: Owner must remove. Neighbor Trees: May trim at property line. Development: Tree preservation required.

Unauthorized removal of protected trees: $250 to $5,000+ per tree. Replacement planting may be required.

Grass Height Limits

Broken Arrow enforces vegetation height limits consistent with Oklahoma state law (11 O.S. §22-111). Grass and weeds exceeding 12 inches are declared a nuisance. Property owners receive notice and a correction period. Repeat violations within 6 months may be abated by the city at the owner's expense without additional notice. Tended garden produce is exempt.

Key details: Height Limit: 12 inches. State Law: 11 O.S. §22-111. Exemption: Tended garden produce. Repeat Violations: Summary abatement within 6 months.

Notice to abate. City mowing at owner’s expense ($150 to $500+). Administrative fees. Property lien.

Water Restrictions

Broken Arrow follows regional water supply conditions. The city may implement staged water restrictions during drought conditions. Stage-based restrictions typically involve odd/even watering schedules and time-of-day limitations. Broken Arrow receives water from the City of Tulsa water system, so Tulsa's staged rationing system (Title 11-C, Ch. 13) may affect supply availability.

Key details: Water Source: Tulsa water system. Drought Response: Staged restrictions. Typical Rule: Odd/even watering schedule. Contact: BA Public Works.

Water waste: warning, then fines $50 to $500. Drought stage violations: escalating fines. Water surcharges possible.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Broken Arrow Zoning Ordinance Section 4-3-4 (Existing Tree Protection and Replacement) governs tree removal. Protected trees removed during development must be replaced according to city standards. The ordinance encourages preservation of existing trees during site development. For residential properties, dead or hazardous trees must be removed by the owner. Contact Community Development for permit requirements on significant tree removal.

Key details: Code Section: §4-3-4. Development: Replacement required for removed trees. Hazard Trees: Owner responsible for removal. Contact: Community Development (918) 259-2400.

Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.

The Bottom Line

Broken Arrow's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Broken Arrow is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Broken Arrow's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.