Columbus, OH Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforced by
- Recreation and Parks Director
- Trigger
- Tree interferes with public street or sidewalk
- Notice
- Written notice with abatement deadline
- Appeal window
- 15 days to hearing officer
- Penalty
- Third-degree misdemeanor, § 912.99
Summary
Columbus makes it unlawful for a property owner to let a tree, shrub, or plant block a public street, sidewalk, or sightline: the recreation and parks director can declare it a nuisance and order it trimmed or removed.
It shall be unlawful for any property owner to permit to stand on the owner's property any tree, shrub, or plant material that has been deemed a public nuisance without promptly abating the nuisance. A tree, shrub, or plant material may be deemed a public nuisance when the Director finds any one of the following conditions to exist: (A) any portion interferes or has the potential to interfere with any public street, park, or public place.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 912.08 lets the recreation and parks director declare a private tree, shrub, or plant material a public nuisance if any portion interferes with, or has the potential to interfere with, a public street, park, or public place, or blocks traffic flow or visibility. The owner must promptly abate it. Under § 912.09, the director sends written notice describing the violation and a deadline; if the owner doesn't act, the city can enter the property, do the work itself, and bill the owner or assess the cost against the property's tax bill. Owners can appeal to a hearing officer within 15 days.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 912 is a third-degree misdemeanor under § 912.99, with each day a separate offense; the city can also abate the nuisance itself and assess the cost against the owner's property taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a nuisance tree under Columbus's code?
What happens if I ignore the city's notice to trim my tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
Compare Columbus to another location·View the Ohio landscaping rules overview
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