Coon Rapids, MN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Chapter 10-500 of the Coon Rapids City Code governs trees and shrubs in public places, and § 10-506(2), titled Trees to be Kept Trimmed, places the trimming duty on the owner or occupant of the private property where the tree or shrub stands, not on the City. Any branches from a private tree that project over a public street must be kept high enough to leave a clearance of not less than 13-1/2 feet, and branches over other public places, such as sidewalks or trails, must clear at least eight feet.

The Forester, appointed under § 8-802, may waive the clearance requirement for newly planted trees if satisfied that they do not interfere with public travel, block a streetlight, or endanger public safety. Separately, § 8-811 restricts pruning or trimming of elm trees between April and August and oak trees between April and June without permission from the Parks Supervisor, a disease-control measure tied to Dutch elm and oak wilt rather than to street clearance. Under § 10-506(1), a property owner also needs a written permit from the Forester before cutting, injuring or otherwise disturbing a public tree or shrub, and § 10-506(3) separately bars any hedge, tree or shrub at a street or alley intersection from obstructing sight lines under § 11-1207.2(3).

Failing to keep private trees trimmed to the required street and sidewalk clearance is declared a public nuisance, which the Forester can abate under § 10-507 after notice to the owner.