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Evansville, IN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Tree removal permit rules in Evansville, IN, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.

Key Facts

Permit issuer
Tree Advisory Board or agent
Permit validity
60 days from issue date
Emergency exception
No permit under EMC 2.90.080
Heritage-tree category
None; all public trees equal

Summary

Public tree removal permits in Evansville come only from the Tree Advisory Board or its agent, must spell out the work, and expire after 60 days unless the Board extends them.

No person shall remove a public tree unless the Tree Advisory Board or its designated agent shall have first granted a proper permit.

(B) No permits shall be necessary in the emergency situations as detailed in EMC 2.90.080.

(C) Every permit issued by the Tree Advisory Board or its designated agent shall specifically describe the work to be done and be valid for a period of 60 days from the issue date unless extended by a board decision per address. [Ord. G-2000-18, passed 12-18-00. 1983 Code § 3.30.1009.]

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).

Full Breakdown

EMC 2.90.090 governs the mechanics of a public tree removal permit: no one may remove a public tree unless the Tree Advisory Board or its designated agent has first granted a proper permit. No permit is needed in the narrow emergency situations set out in EMC 2.90.080, such as storm-damaged trees endangering people or property. Every permit the Board issues must specifically describe the work authorized and is valid for only 60 days from its issue date, unless the Board extends it for that address. Evansville has no separate heritage or landmark-tree designation; every City-owned street, sidewalk, walkway, or park tree gets this same permit treatment.

Violations & Fines

Removing a public tree on an expired, missing, or unspecific permit violates EMC 2.90.090 and 2.90.070(C), fined $100 to $1,000 per violation under EMC 2.90.130.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is an Evansville public tree removal permit good for?
60 days from its issue date, unless the Tree Advisory Board extends it for that specific address, per EMC 2.90.090(C).
Does Evansville have a special permit for old or 'heritage' trees?
No. The code has no heritage or landmark-tree category; every public tree on a City street, sidewalk, or park gets the same removal-permit process under EMC 2.90.090.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Evansville

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsCompostingLight RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsNative PlantsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Evansville rules

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