Fort Wayne, IN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 99.145
- Enforcing agency
- Board of Park Commissioners
- Max fine
- $2,500, each day separate
- Right-of-way permit
- required under § 99.146
Summary
Property owners along any Fort Wayne street must trim or remove trees, shrubs, and plants that are unsightly, dangerous, or blocking pedestrian, vehicle, or streetlight visibility, per city code enforced by the Board of Park Commissioners.
The owner or occupant of any property abutting any street shall remove or trim any tree, shrub, vine, flower or plant or part thereof on the property of any such owner or occupant which may be unsightly or in a dangerous condition or which may project over the street beyond the property line of such owner or occupant in such a manner that the limbs or branches thereof will not permit free and unobstructed passage of pedestrians and vehicles and an unobstructed view of street lights.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Fort Wayne Code of Ordinances § 99.145 requires owners or occupants of property abutting any street to trim or remove any tree, shrub, vine, flower, or plant that is unsightly, in a dangerous condition, or that projects over the street enough to block free passage of pedestrians and vehicles or obstruct the view of street lights. Trimming or removing any tree, shrub, or plant within the limits of a public street, thoroughfare, lawn, park, parkway, or boulevard additionally requires written permission from the Board of Park Commissioners under § 99.146. Violations are enforced under the general chapter penalty.
Violations & Fines
Violates § 99.145 or § 99.146: fine up to $2,500 under the general chapter penalty (§ 99.999); each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to trim trees along the street in Fort Wayne?
Do I need a permit to trim a tree in the parkway in Fort Wayne?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
Compare Fort Wayne to another location·View the Indiana landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.