Chattanooga, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Chattanooga City Code § 32-311(a)-(b)
- Sidewalk clearance
- 8 feet minimum
- Street clearance
- 12 feet minimum
- Truck thoroughfare clearance
- 14 feet minimum
Summary
Chattanooga requires property owners to prune trees overhanging streets and sidewalks to a minimum clearance -- eight feet over sidewalks, twelve feet over most streets, fourteen feet over truck routes.
Any person or persons owning or occupying real property where there may be trees, bordering on any street, shall prune such trees in such a manner that they will not obstruct or shade the streetlights, obstruct the passage of pedestrians on sidewalks, obstruct vision of traffic signs, obstruct the view of any street or alley intersection, or otherwise endanger the public. .....(b)The minimum clearance of any overhanging portion thereof shall be eight (8) feet over sidewalks, and twelve (12) feet over all streets and vehicular use areas except truck thoroughfares which shall have a minimum clearance of fourteen (14) feet. .....(c)No street trees shall be planted closer than ten (10) feet to any fire equipment to include fire hydrants, post indicator valves, and gongs. No street trees shall be planted closer than ten (10) feet to any overhead electrical or telephone wires unless specifically approved by the City Forester or designee as a low growth variety suitable for such location. .....(d)Property owners shall remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees, or broken or decayed limbs which constitute a menace to the safety of the public. ..... (Ord. No. 14217, § 1, 4-8-25)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 32-311 of the Chattanooga Tree Ordinance puts the pruning duty on the owner or occupant of property bordering a street: trees can't obstruct streetlights, block sidewalks, hide traffic signs, or obscure sight lines at intersections. The code sets exact overhead clearances -- eight feet above sidewalks, twelve feet above streets and vehicular use areas, and fourteen feet above truck thoroughfares. Owners must also remove dead, diseased, or dangerous limbs that threaten public safety, and the City Forester can order compliance.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain required clearance or remove hazardous limbs is enforced by the City Forester as a nuisance under Sec. 32-319--32-321, with a written abatement notice, a City-performed fix billed to the owner, and a possible civil penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to trim overhanging trees in Chattanooga?
What's the minimum clearance over a Chattanooga sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
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