Columbia, MO Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Clearance
- 14-foot minimum branch clearance
- Applies to
- Streets and alleys
- Duty on
- Owner, tenant or occupant
- Requirement
- Trimming required, not just planting
Summary
Columbia, Missouri property owners must keep tree limbs at least 14 feet above the traveled portion of adjoining streets and alleys, per § 24-6 of the city code.
It shall be unlawful for any person occupying, in charge or control of or owning any real estate in the city to permit the trees on such property to hang over the sidewalks, streets and alleys so that the lower limbs thereof shall be closer than fourteen (14) feet to the vehicular traveled portion of any street or alley. The owner, occupant, tenant or person in control of any real estate shall keep the trees thereon so trimmed that the limbs thereof shall not hang closer to any sidewalk, street or alley than is herein prescribed.
(Code 1964, § 14.040)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 138).
Full Breakdown
Under Columbia, Missouri's (Boone County) Code of Ordinances § 24-6, it is unlawful for anyone occupying, controlling or owning real estate in the city to let trees on that property hang over sidewalks, streets or alleys with limbs closer than fourteen (14) feet to the vehicular-traveled portion of the street or alley. The owner, occupant, tenant or person in control of the property must keep those trees trimmed so their limbs stay at or above that fourteen-foot clearance. The duty runs with whoever occupies or controls the real estate, not just the record owner, and it applies citywide, not merely to city-planted street trees.
Violations & Fines
Letting tree limbs hang lower than 14 feet over the traveled portion of a street or alley is a violation of § 24-6, chargeable to the property owner, occupant or person in control.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must tree branches be over a Columbia street?
Who is responsible for trimming overhanging branches?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbia
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