Elyria, OH Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 553.01 of the Elyria Codified Ordinances makes the Safety Service Director, through the City Urban Forester, responsible for implementing the tree ordinances. The duty to trim falls on any owner or occupant of a lot or parcel in the City of Elyria, whether improved, unimproved, vacant or occupied, where a tree, plant or shrub stands, or stands on the contiguous tree lawn, with any part upon or overhanging a public street or sidewalk.

The clearance rule is in division (b)(1). A tree overhanging any street or right-of-way must be pruned so its branches do not obstruct the light from any street lamp or the view of any street intersection, and so there is a clear space of twelve feet above the surface of the street or sidewalk. Division (b)(2) adds that every dead, decayed or broken tree, plant or shrub, or part of one, must be trimmed or removed so it does not fall to the street or sidewalk.

The compliance clock is 30 days. Under division (b)(3), the work is at the parcel owner's expense and must be done within 30 days after the City Urban Forester serves notice by regular U.S. mail to the last known tax mailing address of the owner. If the owner does not comply, the city has the authority to have the work completed and to charge the cost to the property owner.

The city also keeps its own pruning power. Division (b)(4) lets the city remove any dead, diseased or insect-infested tree or tree limbs that constitute a hazard to life or property, and prune a tree, plant or shrub on private property when it interferes with the spread of light from a street light, blocks visibility of a traffic control device or sign, or otherwise impedes the safe flow of traffic.

Trimming a tree on a public way, tree lawn, street, alley or City property needs a permit from the City Urban Forester under § 553.05(a), and no fee is charged. Appeals of a City Urban Forester decision go to the Tree Board under § 553.09, in writing within ten business days of mailing of the decision.