Newport News, VA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Section
- § 29-4(4)
- Planting/care by
- Dept. of Parks & Rec
- Alteration permit
- Required, § 40.3-3
- Unpermitted alteration
- Class 1 misdemeanor
Summary
In Newport News, the Department of Parks and Recreation plants and cares for the trees along city streets and rights-of-way, and a city permit is required before anyone else prunes, removes, or otherwise alters a right-of-way tree.
Planting and care of all flowers, vines, shrubs and trees in the public parks, grounds, streets and ways of the city;(5)Operating all buildings, museums, gardens, monuments, lakes, swimming pools, rest rooms, restaurants, refreshment stands and other facilities and establishments situated in the public parks and grounds under the jurisdiction of the department;(6)Promoting, sponsoring and managing public concerts, entertainment and other recreational activities; and(7)Exercising and performing such other powers and duties as may be assigned to the department by ordinance. (Ord. No. 2789-81; Ord. No. 6977-13, § 1)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).
Full Breakdown
City Code Section 29-4(4) assigns the department of parks and recreation responsibility for planting and caring for the flowers, vines, shrubs and trees in the public parks, grounds, streets and ways of the city: the parkway strip along city streets included. Because that strip is city right-of-way, Section 40.3-3 separately requires anyone other than city crews to get a permit from the director, or from the department of engineering for right-of-way locations, before pruning, removing, damaging, or otherwise altering an existing street tree.
Violations & Fines
Altering a city right-of-way tree without a permit under Section 40.3-3 is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with each affected tree counted as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plants and maintains the trees along Newport News streets?
Can I remove or prune a tree in the right-of-way in front of my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
Compare Newport News to another location·View the Virginia tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.