Kansas City Parks and Recreation manages street trees in the public right-of-way. Residents must obtain a Parks permit before planting, removing or substantially pruning a parkway tree, and approved species lists steer choices toward storm- and drought-resistant native varieties.
Under Chapter 64 streets and Chapter 88 zoning provisions, the strip between sidewalk and curb (parkway) and other right-of-way landscaping is controlled by KC Parks and Recreation Forestry Division. Residents who want to plant a tree in their parkway must apply for a free permit, choose from the approved species list, and meet utility-clearance and sight-line standards. Removal or major pruning of an existing parkway tree requires a Parks permit and may trigger a replacement requirement. Heritage trees on private land are protected under Chapter 88 tree provisions. KC Parks partners with Heartland Tree Alliance and Bridging The Gap on plantings in priority canopy-deficit neighborhoods identified in Climate Plan KC.
Planting an unapproved species, removing or topping a parkway tree without a permit, or damaging public trees can trigger Parks restitution fees based on appraised value plus Chapter 88 fines, often hundreds to thousands of dollars per tree.
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