Tree removal permit rules in Indianapolis, IN — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Removing a tree in the Indianapolis public right-of-way (the lawn strip between street and sidewalk) requires a City flora permit; trees and flora are governed by Revised Code Chapter 701.
Tree removal in Indianapolis is regulated based on where the tree sits. A City flora permit is required for any tree removal (as well as planting, spraying, bracing, or pruning) in the public right-of-way, which is city-owned property along streets, commonly the lawn strip between the street and sidewalk. These rules are administered under Revised Code Chapter 701 (Trees and Flora) by the City's forestry/code enforcement function. Trees located entirely on private property are generally the owner's responsibility and may be removed without a flora permit, though debris left on the ground (tree limbs or wood) can be cited as a trash/nuisance violation by the Marion County Public Health Department. Indianapolis does not impose a general permit requirement for removing healthy private-property trees the way some jurisdictions do; the permit requirement is tied to work in the right-of-way.
Removing or doing tree work on a right-of-way tree without a flora permit is a code violation under Chapter 701. Owners may also be cited if removed limbs or wood are left on the ground as a nuisance.
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See how Indianapolis's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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