Lenexa, KS Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 3-5-J-2 of the Lenexa City Code sets two numeric clearances. Trees and shrubs located within, encroaching upon or overhanging any street, alley, avenue, boulevard, sidewalk or public right-of-way must be trimmed and maintained by the adjacent or abutting property owner so they do not extend below the minimum height clearance. Over sidewalks that clearance is eight (8) feet. Over streets, alleys, avenues, boulevards or public rights-of-way it is thirteen (13) feet.

The section adds a functional test that applies at any height. Owners cannot allow trees and shrubs to obstruct public travel, impair vision of traffic signals, prevent the proper sight distance at intersections or in any other way create a public hazard. A hedge that blocks a driver's view at a corner violates the section even if it clears thirteen feet overhead.

The duty follows ownership as § 3-5-J-1 defines it: the property owner is identified by Johnson County Department of Records and Tax Administration records and includes an owner of property adjacent to or abutting the streets, alleys, avenues, boulevards, public easements and public rights-of-way. In practice the owner on the corner lot answers for both frontages.

The City or its contractor keeps the right, but has no obligation, to maintain or remove any tree or shrub in or overhanging the right-of-way as needed for public health, safety and welfare, and it does not have to notify neighbors first. It can only recover or assess the cost against the abutting owner if the § 3-5-J-2-C notice requirements were met. That notice orders the work within thirty (30) days and goes by certified mail, personal service, or posting on the property if both fail. The owner then pays within thirty days of an invoice, or the City certifies the cost for the tax bill.