Council Bluffs, IA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

CBMC 10.52.080 makes the owner of abutting private property responsible for trimming any tree, shrub or hedge growing on that property or on the adjoining right-of-way so it does not block sidewalks, streets or alleys, dim streetlights, or hide traffic signs and signals. Vegetation in the right-of-way must be kept to no more than thirty inches above street pavement level and trimmed back at least three feet from the pavement edge. Tree branches over a sidewalk must be cut back to at least eight feet of clearance; branches over a primary road extension need fifteen feet of clearance; branches over any other street or alleyway need twelve feet.

A separate sight-triangle rule in CBMC 10.52.090 caps vegetation at thirty inches within the thirty-five-foot triangle formed at a street corner, so drivers can see cross traffic. Owners must also cut back roots that damage a sidewalk or other public improvement, at the owner's own expense, and treat or remove diseased trees, shrubs or vegetation that could spread infection. Utility franchisees may trim branches or roots that interfere with overhead or underground wires, cables or pipelines under CBMC 10.52.110, following the same 10.52.090 standards, though a franchisee still needs a removal permit except in an emergency, when the permit may be obtained after the fact.

If an owner will not comply, the Parks, Recreation and Public Property director can declare the growth a nuisance under CBMC 10.52.100, order remedial action by certified mail, and, after an unheeded fifteen-day deadline, have the work done and bill the owner.