Tree trimming in Franklin County is regulated at the municipal level. Columbus Recreation and Parks Urban Forestry controls street trees under Columbus City Code 911; homeowners may trim private trees but need a permit to touch any tree in the public right-of-way. AEP Ohio handles utility line clearance separately.
Columbus has one of the largest urban forestry programs in Ohio, managing approximately 115,000 street trees. City Code 911 requires a no-cost permit from the Forestry Section before pruning, planting, or removing any tree in the tree lawn between sidewalk and curb; unauthorized pruning can trigger tree-replacement charges based on appraised value. Private-property trees belong to the landowner who may trim freely, but neighbors may only trim branches overhanging their own property up to the property line and cannot damage tree health under Ohio common law. Suburban Franklin County cities including Bexley, Worthington, and Upper Arlington have similar street tree permit programs. AEP Ohio performs utility line clearance on a rotating cycle and does not require homeowner permission for utility-line trimming within easement areas.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Franklin County, OH
Barking-dog complaints in unincorporated Franklin County are handled under ORC 955.11 (nuisance dog) and ORC 2917.11. The Franklin County Animal Shelter and ...
Franklin County, OH
Franklin County encourages EV charging station installation. Columbus operates over 100 public charging stations through Smart Columbus initiative. Residenti...
Franklin County, OH
Franklin County overnight parking rules vary by jurisdiction. Columbus allows on-street overnight parking except during snow emergencies and permit zones. Su...
Franklin County, OH
Franklin County unincorporated areas follow Ohio Revised Code §4511.66 for street parking. Columbus City Code §2151 governs parking in the city and limits co...
Franklin County, OH
Franklin County prohibits commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR from parking in residential zones overnight per Columbus Code §2151.09. ORC §4511.681 regu...
Franklin County, OH
Franklin County driveways require permits from Franklin County Engineer for county road access or from municipal engineering for city streets. Columbus Code ...
See how Franklin County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.