Cedar Rapids, IA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Rate
- 1 tree per 30 ft frontage
- Minimum
- 1 tree per lot
- Shade tree size
- min. 1-inch caliper
- Utility conflict
- ornamental sub at 20 ft
- Enforced by
- City Arborist
Summary
New development in Cedar Rapids must plant one street tree per 30 feet of public or private street frontage, minimum one per lot, selected from the city's approved tree list and sited to City Arborist standards.
Unless otherwise specified in a district, street trees shall be planted along public and private streets at a rate of one tree per 30 feet of frontage, not including driveway openings, with a minimum of one tree per lot regardless of minimum spacing. Public street trees shall include large shade trees with a minimum size of 1-inch caliper planted at 30-foot spacing.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24).
Full Breakdown
The zoning code requires large shade trees of at least 1-inch caliper spaced every 30 feet along street frontage, with a minimum of one tree per lot even on short frontages. Where overhead utility lines rule out large shade trees, the City Arborist may approve smaller ornamental trees instead, spaced every 20 feet. Tree species must come from the city's approved tree list, and exact placement is set by the City Arborist based on utilities, clear zones, and sight distance. A Public Works permit is required for any work or planting within the right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Street tree planting is enforced through site and landscape plan review that precedes building permit issuance; Development Services and the City Arborist reject noncompliant plans until frontage tree requirements are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every lot need a street tree even a small one?
What if overhead power lines block a large shade tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cedar Rapids
Compare Cedar Rapids to another location·View the Iowa tree protection overview
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