Oregon, OH Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Codified Ordinances § 158.13
- Responsible official
- Street Commissioner
- Clearance areas
- Sidewalks, driveways, streets beyond curb line
- Topping ban
- § 158.14, cuts over 3 inches to stubs
- Interference
- Unlawful under § 158.15
- Penalty
- Cost of replacement tree, billed on property taxes
Summary
In the City of Oregon, Ohio, Codified Ordinances § 158.13 puts the job of keeping public trees clear of sidewalks, driveways and streets on the Street Commissioner, who must keep branches trimmed back so they don't conflict with public welfare over any public sidewalk, private driveway or public street beyond the curb line.
158.13 TRIMMING TREES. The Street Commissioner shall keep all trees standing upon any public area in the City, trimmed so that the branches of such trees projecting over any public sidewalk or private driveway or into any public street beyond the curb line do not conflict with the public welfare.
Full Breakdown
07 requires a $25 annual license, filed with the Department of Building and Zoning Inspection, for anyone who prunes or removes trees within the City right of way for hire. 14 separately prohibits "topping" any street, park or other public tree as a normal practice, defining topping as cutting limbs back to stubs larger than three inches in diameter to a degree that removes the normal canopy and disfigures the tree, though storm-damaged trees or those under utility wires may be exempted at the Street Commissioner's determination.
15 backs up the Commissioner's clearance work by making it unlawful for any person to interfere with the Street Commissioner or assistants while carrying out chapter duties or work ordered by the Mayor or Council. Chapter 158 traces to Ordinance 115-1992, passed September 14, 1992.
Violations & Fines
Codified Ordinances § 158.99 applies chapter-wide, including to clearance trimming disputes: a violation of any provision of Chapter 158 is assessed at the cost of a replacement tree recommended by the Tree Commission, recovered on the following year's property taxes, with each affected tree constituting a separate violation. Interfering with the Street Commissioner's trimming work under § 158.15 is itself a separate violation of the chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who trims trees that block the sidewalk or street in Oregon, Ohio?
Can a resident trim a public tree in front of their house?
Is it legal to "top" a street tree in Oregon, Ohio?
What if someone blocks the Street Commissioner from trimming a tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oregon
Compare Oregon to another location·View the Ohio landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lucas County handle tree trimming.