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Tree Protection in Independence, MO (2026)

2 verified tree protection rules for Independence, Missouri, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Heritage & Protected Trees

Independence's Heritage Commission can designate individual trees as historic landmarks, and once a tree carries that designation its preservation must follow standards set out elsewhere in the City Code.

Independence Heritage Tree Designation

Some Restrictions

Independence Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 14-500-03-B.6

Historic trees are those that are designated by the Heritage Commission as being of notable historical interest and value due to its association with the physical and cultural development of the City of Independence. The requirements for preserving historic trees must follow the standards found in the City Code.

Parkway Planting

Independence sets exact spacing, diameter, and clearance rules for planting street trees in the public parkway strip between the curb and sidewalk.

Independence Street Tree Planting Standards

Some Restrictions

Independence City Code § 13.02.008

Street trees must be planted at least six feet apart except where a special permit is obtained from the City Forester.4.No street tree shall be planted where the soil is too poor to insure the growth of the street tree unless a hole of not less than 36 cubic feet is excavated and replaced with suitable loam or soil stripped from pasture land.5.No street tree shall be planted where the space bet...

Looking for Jackson County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Independence city rules.

Tree Protection in Jackson County