Overland Park, KS Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Overland Park, KS, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Homeowner removal permit
- Not required
- Private tree authority
- Nuisance and hazard only
- Right-of-way trees
- City Forester controls removal
- Development disclosure
- Trees 12-inch caliper or larger
- Single-family districts
- Exempt from landscape plan
Summary
Homeowners may remove trees from their own property without a city permit. Overland Park's tree rules cover right-of-way and public trees, nuisance abatement, and development landscaping plans. Single-family zoning districts are excluded from the landscape plan requirement.
All plans submitted in support of a final development plan, site plan, building permit or site development permit, except for any residential use in Districts RE, R-1, RP-1, R-1A, RP-1A and R-2, shall include a landscaping plan signed by a registered landscape architect.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: latest section effective 1901-01-01).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 7.16 gives the Community Services Division authority over private trees only to order maintenance or removal when a tree is a nuisance or endangers public health, safety and welfare under 7.16.190.B, with emergency abatement under 7.16.190.C. It sets no application, fee, or approval step for removing a healthy tree. Section 7.16.200 makes the abutting owner responsible for maintaining right-of-way trees, and 7.16.195 reserves their removal to the City Forester. Section 18.450.040 requires a landscaping plan by a registered landscape architect for development plans, site plans and building permits, and item I requires that plan to show trees of 12-inch caliper or larger proposed for removal. Residential uses in Districts RE, R-1, RP-1, R-1A, RP-1A and R-2 are excluded.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a nuisance-tree notice under 7.16.205 allows City abatement, cost assessment plus administrative fee, tax lien after 30 days, and municipal court prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my Overland Park yard?
Can I remove the tree between my sidewalk and the street?
When does Overland Park regulate tree removal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Overland Park
Compare Overland Park to another location·View the Kansas landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Johnson County handle tree removal & heritage trees.