Bozeman, MT Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issued by
- City forester
- Permit fee
- Set by City Commission resolution
- Large-tree spacing
- Minimum 30 feet on center
- Small-tree spacing
- Minimum 25 feet on center
- Under utility lines
- No tree with mature height over 25 feet
- Sight triangle canopy
- No foliage below 14 feet from street level
Summary
In the City of Bozeman, Montana, no tree goes into the public area without a permit from the city forester and payment of any permit fee set by City Commission resolution. Street trees must be planted in line, at least 30 feet on center for large trees and 25 feet for small trees.
2.Planting.a.No tree shall be planted without first obtaining a permit from the city forester and paying any permit fee established by resolution of the city commission. No tree with a mature height in excess of 25 feet shall be planted under any utility line.b.All street trees shall be planted in line with each other and at a spacing of a minimum of 30 feet on center for large trees and 25 feet on center for small trees.c.Single-stem canopy trees may be permitted in sight vision triangles, provided that mature trees do not significantly affect safe driving conditions and are maintained such that no canopy foliage exists below a height of 14 feet from street level.
Full Breakdown
Bozeman Municipal Code § 16.05.330.A.2 sets the planting standards for trees and shrubs in the public area, which § 16.05.300 defines as Sunset Hills Cemetery, public ways, city parks, and all other lands owned, leased, managed or occupied by the city. Public ways include public streets, roads, boulevards, alleys, sidewalks and parking strips, and a street tree is any tree planted in the public way.
A permit comes first. No tree can be planted without a permit from the city forester and payment of any permit fee established by resolution of the City Commission. Placement then carries three numbers. A tree with a mature height in excess of 25 feet cannot be planted under any utility line. Street trees must be planted in line with each other, at a minimum of 30 feet on center for large trees and 25 feet on center for small trees. The definitions supply the split: a large tree attains a mature height of 25 feet, and a small tree attains a mature height of less than 25 feet.
Sight vision triangles get a special rule. Single-stem canopy trees can be permitted there, provided mature trees do not significantly affect safe driving conditions and are maintained so that no canopy foliage exists below a height of 14 feet from street level.
Species choice runs through the master street tree plan under § 16.05.320. The city forester and the tree advisory board develop it with a public hearing and approval by the City Commission, and after its effective date all planting must conform to it. The plan evaluates space and site factors such as conflicts with wires, lights, pavement, traffic, pedestrians, sidewalks, sewers and space availability, and it includes a plan for a cost-share tree program.
On cost, § 16.05.350 says a private party who plants with an appropriate permit incurs all expenses. The abutting property owner and tenant must keep street trees and vegetative growth in front of and adjoining their property free of becoming a public nuisance or hazard (§ 16.05.330.A.4.c).
Violations & Fines
Section 16.05.370 makes the city forester responsible for enforcement and prohibits interfering with the forester or the forester's staff. In addition to any penalty, the court shall order restitution to the city for each tree or part of a tree unlawfully damaged, destroyed or removed. Section 1.01.210, the general penalty clause, sets misdemeanor punishment at a fine not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, unless the Code provides otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a street tree in Bozeman?
How far apart must street trees be?
Can I plant a tall tree under power lines?
Who chooses which species go on a street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bozeman
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