Rapid City, SD Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- RCMC § 12.32.080
- Permit fee
- Free, issued without charge
- Who approves
- Urban Forester and Urban Forestry Board
- Maintenance duty
- Abutting property owner
- Utility buffer
- 10 feet from water/sewer needs Public Works sign-off
- Topping
- Unlawful without Urban Forestry Board approval
Summary
Rapid City requires a free Urban Forester permit before anyone plants a street tree in the parkway between the sidewalk and the curb, per Rapid City Municipal Code § 12.32.080. The Urban Forestry Board keeps an approved street tree list, and the abutting property owner is responsible for maintaining the tree afterward.
A. No street trees shall be planted unless and until the Urban Forester shall have first approved the kind, size, variety and location thereof, and granted a permit therefor. This permit is in addition to any permit required by Chapter 12.04. Trees proposed within 10 feet of any water, sanitary sewer or drainage system component shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Public Works. The permit shall be issued without charge. B. A street tree list for Rapid City shall be developed by the urban forester and approved by the Urban Forestry Board. C. Maintenance of street trees shall be the responsibility of the owner of the abutting property. ... ... E. All stumps of street and park trees shall be cut below the surface of the ground so that the top of the stump shall not project above the surface of the ground.
Full Breakdown
020 as any tree, shrub, bush or woody vegetation between the property lines on either side of a street, avenue or way, until the Urban Forester has first approved the kind, size, variety and location of the planting and issued a permit; the city issues that permit without charge. 04, and any tree proposed within 10 feet of a water, sanitary sewer or drainage system component needs separate sign-off from the Director of Public Works. 080(B) has the Urban Forester, with Urban Forestry Board approval, maintain an approved street tree list that governs what species may be planted in the parkway.
080(E) requires any stump from a removed street or park tree to be cut below ground level so no stump projects above the surface. Subsection D separately bars topping, defined as cutting limbs back to stubs larger than 6 inches in diameter so severely that it removes the tree's normal canopy, unless the Urban Forestry Board approves it for storm-damaged trees or trees fouled by utility wires. 030 with 5 members appointed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, reviews the city's tree plans and can be petitioned on planting disputes.
Violations & Fines
Planting a street tree without Urban Forester approval, using a species off the approved list, or topping a street or park tree without Urban Forestry Board sign-off violates § 12.32.080 and exposes the responsible party to Rapid City's general penalty under § 12.32.160: a fine of $1 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, per § 1.12.010, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a tree in the parkway strip in Rapid City?
Who takes care of a street tree once it's planted?
Can I choose any tree species for the parkway?
Is topping a street tree allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rapid City
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