Eagan, MN Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Utility clearance
- 10 ft from sewer/water lines, driveways
- Sidewalk/trail clearance
- 4 feet minimum
- Tree spacing
- 20 feet apart in right-of-way
- Curb setback
- 10 ft urban / 20 ft rural section
- Permit required
- Written city forester permit before planting
- Banned species
- Female ginkgo, box elder, elm, cottonwood
Summary
Eagan City Code § 7.08, Subdivision 1.D governs any tree or shrub placed in a street right-of-way or boulevard, including parkway strips along private streets serving more than 20 units. New plantings must clear utility lines, sit back from curbs, and follow the city's boulevard tree master plan, and a written permit from the city forester is required before anyone plants in the right-of-way.
D.The placement of trees and shrubs in public places and street rights-of-way and alongside private streets serving more than 20 units shall be in compliance with the following requirements:1.Trees and shrubs shall not be planted within ten feet, horizontally, of any sewer line, water line or driveway or within four feet of any public trail or sidewalk. ... 3.Any new trees and shrubs planted within a public street right-of-way or alongside a private street shall be spaced no closer than 20 feet apart and must be at least ten feet from the back of curb in an urban section or 20 feet from the edge of pavement in a rural section. ... 6.The city may establish a master plan for street tree planting. The plan shall identify those streets that have been designated by the council for the planting of said boulevard trees.
Full Breakdown
Subdivision 1.D of Section 7.08 sets placement rules for anything planted in a public right-of-way or alongside a private street with more than 20 units. Trees and shrubs cannot go within ten feet, horizontally, of a sewer line, water line or driveway, or within four feet of a public trail or sidewalk (Subd. 1.D.1), and within ten feet of a private street they cannot disturb ground within two feet of gas, electric, phone or cable lines unless the utility easement calls for a wider setback (Subd.
1.D.2). New trees and shrubs in a right-of-way must be spaced at least 20 feet apart and set back at least ten feet from the back of curb in an urban section, or 20 feet from the pavement edge in a rural section (Subd. 1.D.3). The city forester keeps a boulevard tree master plan under Subd. 1.D.6 identifying which streets get city-planted and city-maintained boulevard trees; on residential streets left off that plan, the abutting owner is responsible for planting and upkeep and must first get a written permit from the city forester.
Subdivision 1.A separately bans four right-of-way species outright: female ginkgo, box elder, non-disease-resistant elm and nonhybrid cottonwood. Subdivision 1.C requires a city permit before anyone plants trees, shrubs or irrigation in a right-of-way, specifying species, size, location and an installation timeline, and the city can deny a permit to protect public safety. A violation is enforced under Section 7.99, the chapter's general misdemeanor/petty misdemeanor penalty.
Violations & Fines
Planting in the right-of-way without the required city forester permit, using a prohibited species, or ignoring the spacing and utility-clearance standards in Subdivision 1.D is punishable under Section 7.99 as a misdemeanor or petty misdemeanor. The city can also order noncompliant trees or shrubs trimmed or removed at the owner's expense under Subdivision 1.E.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a tree on the boulevard in front of my Eagan house?
How far from the curb does a new boulevard tree have to be planted in Eagan?
Who takes care of Eagan's boulevard trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Eagan
Compare Eagan to another location·View the Minnesota tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.