Norman, OK Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Section R328, added to Norman's adopted 2018 International Residential Code by NCC 6-209, imposes a landscape requirement effective May 12, 2008: within all urban residential plats, a building permit for a new single-family or two-family residence triggers a mandatory street tree. Builders must plant at least one tree per lot before the Building Official will issue a certificate of occupancy, capped at two trees regardless of lot size except that lots larger than 10,000 square feet require two trees outright, and corner lots owe one tree per street frontage rather than per lot.

2 of the City Engineering Design Criteria and Drawing No. ST-36. Species choice isn't left to the builder: stock must come from the plant list in appendix D, section B, and each tree must measure at least two-inch caliper measured six inches above grade, with the species tag left on until the certificate of occupancy is issued so inspectors can verify compliance. A weather exception lets a builder obtain a certificate of occupancy before planting is complete if a paid receipt from the tree installer, showing species purchased and a projected planting date, is submitted to the city.

Once installed, maintenance duty runs with the property: dead or diseased trees should be replaced, and if the tree sits in the right-of-way, the abutting owner, or an HOA that has assumed the duty by recorded covenant, is responsible for its upkeep.