Fishers, IN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Fishers, 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
- Fishers Tree Board
- Applies to
- Street trees between road and sidewalk
- Emergency exception
- No permit needed
- Permit validity
- 60 days, extendable 30 days
- Governing section
- Fishers City Code § 95.33
Summary
Removing a city street tree in Fishers, one planted in the strip between the street and sidewalk, requires a permit from the Tree Board first; no permit is needed only in a genuine emergency.
§ 95.33 PERMITS. (A) No person shall plant, treat, spray, or prune a street tree or hire someone to care for a street tree unless the Tree Board first grants a proper permit. ... (B) No person shall remove a street tree unless the Tree Board has issued the proper permit. Except that, no permit is required in an emergency situation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance No. 051826E, passed 5-18-26; and Resolution No. R051826C, passed 5-18-26; and State legislation current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2026 Acts, Pamphlet #1).
Full Breakdown
Fishers regulates trees planted in the public right-of-way strip between the street and sidewalk under its Urban Forestry Program. City Code § 95.33(B) bars anyone from removing a street tree without a permit issued by the Tree Board, with no exception except a genuine emergency situation. § 95.33(A) likewise requires a permit to plant, treat, spray, or prune a street tree. Permits are valid up to 60 days from issuance and can be extended 30 days on written request, and § 95.32 further limits replacement species to those on the Tree Board's approved list, with the planter liable for removal and replacement costs if an unlisted species goes in without special permission.
Violations & Fines
Removing a street tree without Tree Board authorization is enforceable under the Chapter 95 penalty provisions; planting an undesirable, non-listed species without special Board permission requires the planter to cover removal and replacement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a tree the city planted in front of my Fishers home without permission?
How long is a Fishers street tree removal permit good for?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fishers
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