Indianapolis, IN Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Division of Construction and Business Services
- Spacing minimum
- 50 ft apart, 2 ft from curb
- Survival guarantee
- One year; replacement at permit holder's expense
- Watering duty
- Weekly in dry weather, first year
- Scope
- Consolidated City only, not excluded cities
Summary
Planting a shade or ornamental tree in an Indianapolis street, alley or public right-of-way requires prior species and location approval plus a special permit from the Division of Construction and Business Services.
No person shall plant any shade or ornamental flora on or in any portion of a public street, alley, right-of-way, place or park in the city, unless the department, after consultation with the department of parks and recreation and the department of public works, shall have first approved the kind or variety thereof and designated the location therefor, and a special permit for such planting has been issued by the division of construction and business services.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 701-4(a) of the Revised Code lets only the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services approve species and location for street trees planted in a public right-of-way in the Consolidated City, and requires a special permit from the Division of Construction and Business Services before planting. Sec. 701-3(a) sets citywide spacing: no new street tree within 50 feet of another, or within 2 feet of a sidewalk or curb, without written department permission. The permit holder must water new trees weekly in dry weather and guarantee survival for one year, replacing any that die at their own expense. Chapter 701 governs the Consolidated City; Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport and Speedway run their own tree permitting.
Violations & Fines
Planting without department approval and a permit violates Sec. 701-4; the department can order removal or replacement, and the department or director may prosecute violations with the city prosecutor's office under Sec. 701-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a tree on the parkway strip in Indianapolis?
Does this permit rule apply in Speedway or Lawrence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
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