Alachua County, FL Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- ULDC §§ 407.43.2(b), 407.82(a)
- Placement
- Both sides of streets/roads and medians
- Spacing formula
- 1/2 to full sum of 20-yr canopy diameters
- Minimum size at planting
- 8 ft height, 1.25" caliper
- Maximum size at planting
- 12 ft height, 4" caliper
- Right-of-way trees
- Require Public Works ROW use permit
Summary
New development in unincorporated Alachua County must plant street trees along both sides of streets and roads and in medians, spaced by a canopy-diameter formula, with trees placed between the street and sidewalk wherever space allows to protect pedestrians and calm traffic.
Streetscapes.(1)Street trees shall be provided along both sides of streets and roads and in medians, consistent with Table 407.141.1.(2)Street trees shall be provided between the street and the sidewalk whenever space permits to protect pedestrians and calm traffic.(3)Street trees shall be provided within planting strips or sidewalk tree wells per the following:a.Tree species appropriate for use as street trees are indicated in Table 407.50.1.b.Street trees shall be spaced so that the distance between two (2) adjacent trunks is no less than one-half (½) the sum of their 20-year canopy diameters and no more than the sum of their 20-year canopy diameters as listed in Table 407.50.1.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).
Full Breakdown
1. Where space permits, trees must sit between the street and the sidewalk to protect pedestrians and help calm traffic. 1. On-street parking may be located between street trees in a planting strip as long as that spacing is maintained. 25-inch caliper, and may be up to 12 feet tall with a 4-inch caliper. 82(a) reinforces the requirement for street trees specifically installed within the public right-of-way, stating that where the county requires them, street trees must be installed in the right-of-way in accordance with Article IV, Landscaping, and that a right-of-way use permit is needed from the Alachua County Public Works Department for any subdivision entry signage, landscaping, or irrigation placed in that right-of-way. These streetscape rules apply to development plans in unincorporated Alachua County; Gainesville and the county's municipalities administer separate street tree standards.
Violations & Fines
A development plan that omits required street trees along street frontage or medians, uses non-listed species, or violates the canopy-diameter spacing formula does not meet Section 407.43.2(b) and will not clear landscape plan review by Growth Management and the county forester/landscaping inspector. Street trees or landscaping placed in the public right-of-way without the required Public Works right-of-way use permit under Section 407.82(a) can be removed and the responsible party cited under Section 24.14, with a civil penalty up to $500 per infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alachua County require street trees on new developments?
How big must a new street tree be when planted in Alachua County?
Do I need a permit to plant a tree in the county right-of-way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alachua County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Alachua County to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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