Planting in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb requires a DPW permit under Indianapolis Code Ch. 801 with approved species, minimum spacing, and clearance from utilities, hydrants, and traffic sight lines.
The parkway (also called tree lawn or right-of-way strip) is public property even though adjacent homeowners maintain the grass. Indianapolis Code Ch. 801 requires a free permit from DPW Forestry before planting, removing, or substantially pruning any tree in this zone. Approved species lists prioritize native and disease-resistant varieties such as swamp white oak, hackberry, and Kentucky coffeetree. Minimum spacing is typically 30 feet between large shade trees, with clearance from hydrants (10 feet), stop signs (25 feet), and overhead lines (depends on species mature height). Citizens Energy gas line clearances also apply.
Unpermitted planting may be removed at owner's expense; unauthorized removal of mature parkway trees triggers Ch. 801 replacement and civil penalty up to $1,000 per tree depending on diameter at breast height.
See how Indianapolis's parkway planting rules stack up against other locations.
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