Omaha, NE Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum caliper
- 2.0 inches
- Location
- tree yard, curb to sidewalk
- Special-street spacing
- 40 feet on center max
- Min tree yard width
- 6.5 feet
- Compliance deadline
- 2 years, bonded
Summary
New Omaha subdivisions must plant a 2.0-inch-caliper street tree per lot frontage in the parkway strip between curb and sidewalk, under City Code Sec. 53-9(11).
(11)Street trees. For all streets other than special community streets, one street tree per lot per street frontage of at least 2.0 inch caliper shall be planted within the tree yard area between the curb and the sidewalk. For special community streets, street trees of at least 2.0 inch caliper shall be planted within the tree yard at intervals of not more than 40 feet on center, or as called for in a specialized landscape plan approved by the parks department.
Full Breakdown
Omaha's subdivision code treats street trees as a required public improvement, not an option. Developers must plant one street tree of at least 2.0 inch caliper per lot per street frontage within the "tree yard": the landscaped strip between the curb and sidewalk, minimum 6.5 feet wide when paired with a 5-foot sidewalk. On designated "special community streets" (green streets/parkways/boulevards in the city's master plans), trees go in at intervals no more than 40 feet on center, or per a specialized landscape plan approved by the parks department. Trees can shift onto individual lots next to the sidewalk if underground utilities force them out of the tree yard.
Violations & Fines
Street trees are a bonded plat-approval condition: the subdivider posts a performance bond covering the cost of required improvements, due within two years of final plat signature. Miss the deadline and the city forfeits the bond to finish the planting itself or pursues other legal remedies against the developer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to plant Omaha's street trees?
How big must a new Omaha street tree be?
What happens if the developer skips planting?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Omaha
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