Louisville, KY Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Division of Community Forestry
- Who maintains
- Abutting property owner
- Permit needed
- For most public tree work
- No-permit trim
- Limbs under 4" within 7 ft
- Fine
- $250/violation, up to $10,000
Summary
Louisville Metro's tree ordinance makes the abutting property owner responsible for maintaining public trees along streets and sidewalks, and requires a Division of Community Forestry permit before most pruning, encroachment, or removal work on them.
Tree maintenance of public trees shall be the responsibility of the abutting property owner. ... A permit shall be obtained from the Division prior to planting, tree maintenance, tree encroachment, tree removal or replacement of a public tree in accordance with this chapter and Division standards, except as stated in § 102.07.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 102, the Louisville Metro Tree Ordinance, covers any 'public tree' rooted wholly or partly on Metro-controlled land or right-of-way, including the strip between sidewalk and street. Section 102.04 puts maintenance duty on the abutting owner, and § 102.06 requires a free Division of Community Forestry permit before planting, tree maintenance, encroachment, or removal, except as listed in § 102.07. No permit is needed for routine pruning of less than 10% of the canopy, or for cutting limbs under 4 inches in diameter within 7 feet of the ground that block pedestrian traffic, obstruct cross-visibility at an intersection, or touch a structure.
Violations & Fines
Civil offense enforced through the Code Enforcement Board. Non-removal violations of Chapter 102, such as unpermitted pruning or encroachment, carry a $250 fine per violation, with each additional day and each tree treated as a separate offense; total fines on one matter are capped at $10,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who trims the street tree in front of my house?
Do I need a permit to cut a low branch blocking the sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
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