Lafayette Parish, LA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- City-parish arborist
- Territorial scope
- City of Lafayette only
- Review agency
- Public works department
- Max penalty
- $500 fine, 6 months jail
- Not covered
- Unincorporated parish, other parish towns
Summary
Planting a tree or shrub on public property or in a street right-of-way inside the City of Lafayette requires a permit from the city-parish arborist, reviewed by public works: the rule covers only the city, not the unincorporated parish or other parish towns.
Any person desiring to plant a tree or shrub upon any public property or public right-of-way must also obtain a permit from the arborist. Before issuance of a permit to plant, the request must also be reviewed by the public works department to determine if the proposed planting would conform to the requirements of the public works department.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
The Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government's tree ordinance requires anyone who wants to plant a tree or shrub on public property or in a public right-of-way to get a permit from the arborist, who works within the public works department. Before a planting permit issues, public works reviews the request to confirm the proposed planting fits the right-of-way. Sec. 78-292 limits this entire article, including the planting permit, to the City of Lafayette itself; it does not reach the unincorporated parish or the separate towns of Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville and Milton, which set their own rules.
Violations & Fines
Planting without an arborist permit violates the tree ordinance; Sec. 1-9's general penalty applies: a fine up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both, with each continuing day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a tree in the Lafayette right-of-way?
Does this permit rule apply outside Lafayette's city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette Parish
Compare Lafayette Parish to another location·View the Louisiana tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.