Wichita, KS Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Wichita, 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
- Permit authority
- Director of Park and Recreation
- No-permit exceptions
- Branches under 2 inches, storm debris
- Cleanup duty
- Must haul away stump, brush, debris
- Max penalty
- $200 fine, 30 days jail
- Scope
- Street, right-of-way, and park trees only
Summary
Removing or altering a tree in a Wichita street, public right-of-way, or park requires written permission from the Parks and Recreation Director before any cutting begins.
Any person desiring to alter, spray or interfere with any tree, or any branch, root or part thereof, standing or growing, wholly or in part, in any street, or public right-of-way shall first request permission from the Director to do so. If permission is deemed prudent, the Director shall grant such permission.(b)In the event of a storm, freeze or other environmental event resulting in damage to trees, the adjoining property owner will be allowed to remove broken or damaged branches in the right-of-way without permission from the Director. Disposal of debris generated by the adjoining property owner will be the responsibility of the property owner. Permission from the Director will be required for the removal of an entire tree. (Ord. No. 48-824, § 6, 9-21-2010)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
Under Wichita Municipal Code Sec. 9.08.010, altering or removing any tree standing in a city street, public right-of-way, or park requires the Director of Park and Recreation's consent, granted through the application process in Sec. 9.08.020. Property owners may trim branches under two inches without a permit for sidewalk/street clearance, and may clear storm-damaged limbs without prior approval, but taking down an entire right-of-way tree still needs the Director's sign-off, and the person doing the work must haul away the stump, brush, and debris under Sec. 9.08.030. The chapter governs city-controlled street, right-of-way, and park trees; it does not reach trees standing entirely on private property.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 9.08 carries a fine of up to $200, up to 30 days in jail, or both under Sec. 9.08.160, plus a possible court order to repair, remove, or replace the damaged trees at the violator's cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my own yard in Wichita?
Can I trim my own street-side tree without a permit?
What happens if I remove a right-of-way tree without permission?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita
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