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Lansing, MI Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Right-of-way default
living grass lawn
Planting approval
City Forester + City Engineer
City authority
may mandate street trees
Corridor rule
match adjoining streetscape elements

Summary

Lansing's landscaping chapter defaults the parkway strip to grass and requires City Forester and City Engineer sign-off before anyone plants trees, shrubs, or ground covers in the public right-of-way.

(a)Street yard landscaping within the public rights-of-way.(1)Public rights-of-way shall be planted with grass. Trees, shrubs, or other ground covers may be planted within the right-of-way with permission from the City Forester and the City Engineer, or their assigns.(2)The City, in consultation with the Public Service Department, may require street trees to be planted within the public right-of-way where they do not already exist.(3)Rights-of-way yards abutting activity corridors shall incorporate decorative paving and streetscape elements if such elements exist on adjoining parcels. Plant material shall be located in tree wells, bioswales, and above ground planters and shall be approved by the Department of Public Service. Figure 92

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64).

Full Breakdown

Lansing treats the parkway strip between the curb and sidewalk as public right-of-way landscaping under its nonresidential landscaping chapter. The right-of-way defaults to grass; a property owner who wants to plant trees, shrubs, or other ground covers there needs permission from both the City Forester and the City Engineer. The City can also require street trees be planted in a right-of-way where none currently exist, coordinating through the Public Service Department. Along designated activity corridors, streetscape elements like decorative paving must match what already exists on adjoining parcels.

Violations & Fines

Planting or removing right-of-way vegetation without City Forester and Engineer sign-off violates Section 1252.06(a)(1); failing to install or maintain required landscaping is a Zoning Ordinance violation subject to the code's standard enforcement procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Lansing homeowner plant a tree in the parkway strip without asking?
No. Trees, shrubs, or other ground covers may only be planted in the public right-of-way with permission from the City Forester and the City Engineer, per Section 1252.06(a)(1).
Can Lansing force a property owner to plant a street tree?
Yes. The City, working with the Public Service Department, may require street trees to be planted in the right-of-way where they don't already exist, per Section 1252.06(a)(2).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lansing

Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSignificant RestrictionsOutdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & ShieldingSome Restrictions

All Lansing rules

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