Marion, OH Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 905.02 of the Marion Codified Ordinances puts the duty on the owner or occupant of every lot or parcel of land within the municipality upon which a tree, plant or shrubbery stands. It has three parts. Subsection (A) requires a clear height of seven feet between the lowest branches and the sidewalk. Subsection (B) requires the trimming or removal of every dead, decayed or broken tree, plant or shrubbery, or part of one, so that it does not fall to the street or sidewalk. Subsection (C) requires cutting down and removing any tree, plant or shrubbery as necessary to give a clear and unobstructed view of traffic from all directions at any street intersection, or to abate any nuisance necessary to protect life, limb or property of persons, drivers of any vehicles or pedestrians.

Enforcement runs through the Safety/Service Director. Under § 905.03 the Director prepares a written notice and has it served on the owner, lessee, agent, tenant or other person having charge of the land, stating that the growth must be trimmed or removed within five days after the date of the notice. If the owner or occupant does not comply, § 905.04 authorizes the Safety/Service Director to have the chapter enforced and to cause the tree, plant, shrubbery or part of it to be trimmed or removed.

The cost then lands on the property owner. Section 905.05 says that when the municipality trims or removes growth on private property contiguous to a street, sidewalk or public place, it gives five days notice after the work is done, by regular mail to the owner's last known address, with a statement of the amount of cost incurred. If the amount is not paid within 30 days after the mailing of the notice, it is certified to the County Auditor for collection the same as other taxes and assessments are collected. The chapter's statutory reference is R.C. § 715.20, the power to regulate shade trees and shrubbery.