Lincoln, NE Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk clearance
- 10 feet minimum
- Street/alley clearance
- 14 feet minimum
- Enforcing office
- Parks and Recreation Director
- Private tree work
- Requires permit, § 12.20.040
Summary
Lincoln's Parks and Recreation Department may trim any street tree without a permit to keep a ten-foot clearance over sidewalks and a fourteen-foot clearance over streets and alleys used by vehicles.
Further, the city may trim all trees in or upon any street, parkway, sidewalk space, or other public way so that there is a clearance of ten feet over sidewalks and fourteen feet over the portion of public streets and alleys used for vehicular traffic. (Ord. 18168 §7; April 28, 2003: Ord. 16111 §1; May 11, 1992: P.C. §12.20.035: Ord. 11310 §1; March 24, 1975: Ord. 10129 §6; March 22, 1971).
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code § 12.20.060 authorizes the city to trim any tree in or upon a street, parkway, sidewalk space, or other public way so that there is a clearance of ten feet over sidewalks and fourteen feet over the traveled portion of streets and alleys, and no permit is required when the work is ordered or done by the city itself. Private parties who want to plant, treat with pesticide, or remove a street tree still need a written application and a Director-issued permit under §§ 12.20.040 and 12.20.050.
Violations & Fines
Trimming, removing, or destroying a street tree without the required Director-issued permit is a misdemeanor under § 1.24.010: up to a $500 fine or six months in jail, with each day of violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lincoln trim trees over the sidewalk without asking the property owner?
What clearance does Lincoln require over streets and sidewalks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
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