Chattanooga, TN Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Chattanooga City Code § 32-311(c)
- Fire equipment setback
- 10 feet minimum
- Utility wire setback
- 10 feet minimum
- Exception
- City Forester-approved low-growth variety
Summary
Chattanooga bars planting new street trees within ten feet of fire hydrants and other fire equipment, or within ten feet of overhead electrical and telephone wires, unless the City Forester approves a low-growth variety.
No street trees shall be planted closer than ten (10) feet to any fire equipment to include fire hydrants, post indicator valves, and gongs. No street trees shall be planted closer than ten (10) feet to any overhead electrical or telephone wires unless specifically approved by the City Forester or designee as a low growth variety suitable for such location. .....(d)Property owners shall remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees, or broken or decayed limbs which constitute a menace to the safety of the public. ..... (Ord. No. 14217, § 1, 4-8-25)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 32-311(c) of the Tree Ordinance sets the planting-location standard for street trees -- those planted in the verge between sidewalk and curb. No street tree may go within ten feet of a fire hydrant, post indicator valve, or gong, and none may go within ten feet of overhead electrical or telephone wires unless the City Forester or a designee approves a low-growth species suited to that spot. On larger development sites, Sec. 32-310(h) separately requires the City Forester to specify street tree species, caliper, and planting standards as part of streetscape improvements.
Violations & Fines
Planting a street tree in violation of the setback triggers the same Sec. 32-312 permit and removal process as any other unpermitted Public Property Tree work, since street trees are Public Property Trees under the ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to a fire hydrant can I plant a street tree in Chattanooga?
Can I plant a street tree under power lines in Chattanooga?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
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