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Cedar Rapids, IA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Sidewalk clearance
10 feet minimum
Street/alley clearance
12 feet minimum
State highway extensions
16 feet minimum
Non-compliance
Cost assessed against property

Summary

Cedar Rapids requires trees overhanging a sidewalk, street, or alley to be trimmed to at least 10 feet above sidewalks, 12 feet above streets and alleys, and 16 feet over state highway extensions.

Trees standing on any street, alley, or parkway, and trees overhanging any sidewalk, street, alley or parkway shall be trimmed so that the space from the surface to the lower branches of such trees shall not be less than 10 feet over any sidewalk, 12 feet over any street or alley, and 16 feet over streets which are primary extensions of state highways.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24).

Full Breakdown

Cedar Rapids Municipal Code § 9.20 requires the owner of any lot abutting a street, alley or parkway to keep trees on or overhanging that right-of-way trimmed to set clearance heights: at least 10 feet above a sidewalk, 12 feet above a street or alley, and 16 feet above streets that are primary extensions of state highways. Shrubs and other parkway plantings must also stay trimmed to no more than 2 feet above street level. If an owner fails to trim, the City Forester can do the work after notice and assess the cost against the property.

Violations & Fines

After notice to the owner, the City Forester may trim non-compliant trees, shrubs, or vines and assess the full cost against the abutting lot as a special assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high must I trim a tree over the sidewalk in Cedar Rapids?
Branches must clear at least 10 feet over a sidewalk, 12 feet over a street or alley, and 16 feet over streets that extend state highways, per § 9.20(a).
Who is responsible for trimming street trees?
The owner of the abutting lot must keep trees on or overhanging the right-of-way trimmed; the City Forester can do it and assess the cost if the owner fails to.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cedar Rapids

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsRainwater HarvestingSignificant RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterHeavy Restrictions

All Cedar Rapids rules

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