Norman, OK Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 16-910, part of Article 16-IX Tree Protection, places the pruning duty squarely on the abutting property owner: limbs and undergrowth on trees on their premises cannot hang or extend down over the sidewalk or street lower than seven feet from the sidewalk level or 14 feet from the street. The City Forester, appointed under 16-902 (or the Director of Parks and Recreation if no Forester is in place), enforces the article and can investigate and issue orders. Because this clearance work touches trees standing in the public right-of-way, the code carves out an explicit exemption from the general alter-a-street-tree permit in 16-903: an owner may remove branches under four inches in diameter without first getting the Forester's sign-off, so long as the cut maintains the seven-foot sidewalk and 14-foot street clearance.

Anything larger, or removal of the whole tree, still needs the Forester's permission under 16-904. Property owners who ignore the pruning duty face the penalty in 16-911: a fine as provided in the City's penalty and fine schedule per offense, with an owner not subjected to both a criminal penalty and an administrative fine for the same violation. An owner denied permission to prune or remove a tree can appeal to the City Manager within 30 working days, and from there to City Council, under 16-913.