Tree Protection in Noblesville, IN (2026)
4 verified tree protection rules for Noblesville, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Noblesville requires Urban Forester approval for any work on street trees and trees on City-owned property under Code Chapter 97 (Street Trees, Ordinance 8-3-09). Within land development under UDC § 159.083, no tree removal — nor change of grade — is permitted until the primary plat is approved, and § 159.183 limits clearance to that necessary for improvements specifically authorized by the improvement location permit. Trees with a minimum diameter of six (6) inches must be inventoried on a Tree Preservation Plan. Tree removal on fully private residential lots (not under development review and not in the ROW) generally requires no City permit.
Noblesville Tree Removal Permits — ROW Trees + Development Trees (Ch. 97 / § 159.083)
Some RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
The City of Noblesville maintains an official Heritage Tree List published by the Tree Board and the Urban Forester. The Heritage Tree List, alongside the Approved Street Tree Species List, the Successful Tree List, and the Undesirable Tree Species List, is referenced through Chapter 97 (Street Trees, Ordinance 8-3-09) and the Arboricultural Specifications Manual (January 2024). Heritage trees identified for retention under a Tree Preservation Plan or as a development condition of approval cannot be removed without City review under UDC § 159.083. Noblesville has held Tree City USA designation for 35 consecutive years — the longest run in Hamilton County.
Noblesville Heritage Trees — City Heritage Tree List Maintained by Tree Board
Some RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Under UDC § 159.087 (Street Trees), trees must be planted as a public improvement along any new subdivision street, at the developer's cost. Spacing is 40 to 60 feet between trees, installed between the right-of-way and 15 feet outside the right-of-way, with each tree centered between the sidewalk and curb (unless the City Forester directs otherwise). Only species on the City of Noblesville Approved Tree Species List may be planted (Ordinance 8-3-09 and the Arboricultural Specifications Manual). Trees on a Tree Preservation Plan that are designated for retention must be welled and protected against grade change under § 159.083.
Noblesville Tree Replacement — Developer Pays + Tree Preservation Plan (§ 159.083 / § 159.087)
Some RestrictionsTree Ordinances
Noblesville's tree protection framework rests on Code Chapter 97 (Street Trees, adopted via Ordinance 8-3-09), UDC § 159.083 (Preservation of Existing Natural Features), § 159.087 (Street Trees in development), §§ 159.183–159.186 (Landscape Design Standards, Parking Lot Landscaping, Building Base Landscaping, Landscape Buffer Yards), and the Arboricultural Specifications Manual (January 2024). The City Tree Board (seven members) develops the master plan; the Board of Public Works and Safety governs Chapter 97. Indiana Code 25-36.5 (Timber Buyers) and IC 36-1-3-4 (home rule) underpin local authority. Noblesville has been a Tree City USA for 35+ consecutive years.
Noblesville Tree Ordinance Framework — Ch. 97 + UDC § 159.083, .087, .183–.186
Some RestrictionsLooking for Hamilton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Noblesville city rules.
Tree Protection in Hamilton County →