Topeka, KS Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Topeka, 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
- 6-12 in. caliper removed
- +15 base points
- 12-24 in. D.B.H. removed
- +20 base points
- Over 25 in. D.B.H. removed
- +25 base points
- Waiver authority
- Planning Director w/ City Forester
Summary
Developers who clear significant existing trees from a Topeka site must add extra landscape points to their plan, 15 to 25 per tree by size, under TMC § 18.235.070(b).
Any existing significant trees removed from the site shall require additional base points above those calculated for the square footage of the developed area. For trees removed between six inches and 12 inches diameter caliper, an additional 15 base points shall be required. For trees removed between 12 inches and 24 inches D.B.H., an additional 20 base points shall be required. For any trees removed that are larger than 25 inches D.B.H., an additional 25 base points shall be required. If the Planning Director, in consultation with the City Forester, determines that removal of any aforementioned significant trees will not be detrimental to the overall appearance of the development, some or all of these additional point requirements may be waived.
(c) Trees for which a developer wishes to receive credit must be within the developed area, and incorporated into an overall landscape design. (Ord. 18255 § 5, 6-1-04; Ord. 17846 § 7, 6-11-02. Code 1995 § 48-38.06.) Cross References:Planning and Development Department, TMC 2.20.080; City Forester, Chapter 12.65 TMC.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 20671, passed July 14, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Topeka's landscape code doesn't ban cutting trees on a development site, but it makes it cost points. TMC § 18.235.070(b) requires extra base landscape points for every existing 'significant tree' removed: 15 additional points for a tree six to 12 inches in caliper, 20 points for 12 to 24 inches D.B.H., and 25 points for anything over 25 inches D.B.H., on top of the points already required for the square footage of the developed area. The Planning Director, after consulting the City Forester, can waive some or all of the added points if removal won't hurt the development's overall appearance.
Violations & Fines
A landscape plan that doesn't account for the added base points from removed significant trees won't clear Planning Department review, and no landscape certificate of completion, required before occupancy, will issue under TMC § 18.235.100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Topeka penalize developers for removing trees on a site?
Can Topeka waive the tree-removal point penalty?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Topeka
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