Fort Wayne, IN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Fort Wayne, 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 needed for
- trim, remove, or plant street trees
- Issuing authority
- Board of Park Commissioners
- Owner duty
- trim overhanging/unsightly trees
- Max fine
- $2,500 per day
Summary
Trimming, removing, or planting any tree, shrub, or vine on a public street, park, or parkway in Fort Wayne requires written permission from the Board of Park Commissioners first.
It shall be unlawful for any person to trim, remove or plant, injure or destroy any tree, vine, shrub, flower or plant within the limits of any public street, thoroughfare, lawn, park, parkway or boulevard without first obtaining written permission from the Board of Park Commissioners of the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Fort Wayne Code of Ordinances § 99.146 makes it unlawful to trim, remove, plant, injure, or destroy any tree, vine, shrub, flower, or plant within the limits of any public street, thoroughfare, lawn, park, parkway, or boulevard without written permission from the Board of Park Commissioners. Separately, § 99.145 requires abutting property owners to trim or remove any tree, shrub, vine, or plant on their own property that is unsightly, dangerous, or blocks pedestrian, vehicle, or street-light sightlines over the public street. The Board also sets an approved street-tree species list and spacing rules under §§ 99.140 and 99.142.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Chapter 99 carries a fine of up to $2,500 per day under § 99.999, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the street strip in front of my Fort Wayne home?
What if a tree on my property overhangs the sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
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