Shelby, NC Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Planting strip width
- Six feet, behind the curb
- Sidewalk width
- Five feet minimum, four inches thick
- Triggers requirement
- New development on street frontages
- Variance authority
- Technical review committee, for hardships
Summary
New development along Shelby street frontages must include a six-foot planting strip behind the curb, grassed or landscaped, in addition to a five-foot sidewalk.
Construction of sidewalks and planting strips shall be required along public street frontages in conjunction with new development. All sidewalks shall be placed in the street right-of-way where sufficient right-of-way exists and shall be a minimum distance of six feet off of the back of the curb in order to accommodate a planting strip. ... The six-foot planting strip shall be grassed or otherwise landscaped with plant material.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).
Full Breakdown
Shelby's subdivision and site-development standards require a six-foot planting strip between the curb and sidewalk on public street frontages whenever new development occurs. The strip must be grassed or landscaped with plant material, and street trees required under the Unified Development Ordinance's landscape section can be located inside it. Sidewalks must be at least five feet wide, four inches of concrete, and set back six feet from the curb to leave room for the strip. Existing alleys, short cul-de-sacs, freeway frontages, single-family lots of record, and minor building changes are exempt; the technical review committee can vary the requirement for site-specific hardships.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required planting strip and sidewalk violates Shelby's development standards; the city can withhold approval or require correction as a condition of the site or subdivision plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every new building in Shelby need a planting strip?
Can Shelby waive the planting strip requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby
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