Pocatello, ID Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Section 12.28.080 of the Pocatello City Code sets the planting standards for the parkway, the planting strip between the curb and sidewalk. Subsection A makes the Pocatello tree commission's "tree selection guide" the official guideline for selecting and planting trees on public property, and subsection B limits public tree planting to species on the city forester's "master list of acceptable trees," unless the forester consents in writing to something else. Subsection H specifically covers parking strips: they must be landscaped with at least fifty percent of the surface in living plant materials, counting expected mature tree canopy cover along with grass or ground covers, and the city maintains a list of recommended trees and low water ground covers suited to parking strips.

Section 12.28.070(C) makes it the duty of the abutting property owner to maintain that landscaping in a healthy and orderly condition so it stays contained within the strip's boundaries. Subsection F requires trees and other landscaping at uncontrolled residential intersections to preserve an unobstructed sight triangle measured forty feet along each roadway from the curb lines, matching Idaho Code section 49-221, and the city engineer makes the final call on sight triangle disputes. Under section 12.28.070(B), planting, maintenance, and removal of street trees by private owners must conform to sections 12.28.080 through 12.28.140 of the chapter.