Noblesville is a Tree City USA community (35+ consecutive years — longest streak in Hamilton County). Under Code Chapter 97 (Street Trees) and § 97.12 (Regular Tree Care), routine care of street trees in the right-of-way by an owner-occupant — watering, raking, leaf/twig cleanup — does NOT require a permit. However, any certified arborist hired to perform routine street tree care must first secure a permit from the City's Urban Forester. Owner-occupant trimming beyond basic maintenance also requires Urban Forester approval. All work must follow the Arboricultural Specifications Manual (January 2024) and Ordinance 8-3-09.
Chapter 97 of the Noblesville Municipal Code (adopted via Ordinance 8-3-09) regulates the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees, shrubs and other plants within City rights-of-way and on City-owned property. § 97.12 (Regular Tree Care) draws a clear permit line: no permit is required for an owner-occupant's basic routine care (watering, raking, debris collection) of the street tree in front of their home; but if the owner-occupant hires a certified arborist, the arborist must secure a permit from the Urban Forester before doing any work. The Tree Board (seven members) develops the master plan for care, preservation, pruning, planting, removal and disposition of street trees. The Board of Public Works and Safety has authority over the ordinance. Standards are set forth in the City's Arboricultural Specifications Manual (January 2024), prepared by the Urban Forester, which contains technical regulations for planting, pruning and removal. Trees on private property NOT in the ROW are not regulated by Chapter 97 (private homeowner pruning of fully private trees is unrestricted, subject to UDC § 159.083 preservation requirements during land development). Indiana common law follows the Massachusetts Rule — adjoining owners may trim overhanging branches back to the property line without permission, but cannot trespass or kill the tree.
Performing street tree work as a certified arborist without an Urban Forester permit, or owner-occupant trimming beyond basic routine care without Urban Forester approval, violates § 97.12 and Ordinance 8-3-09. Penalties are imposed under § 97.99 (Chapter 97 general penalty). Damage to a City street tree may trigger restitution at the appraised value of the tree under the Arboricultural Specifications Manual. Negligent or willful damage to another's standing timber may also trigger treble damages under IC 25-36.5 (Timber Buyers) and related civil liability.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Noblesville, IN
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