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St. Louis, MO Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Landscape bed permit trigger
over 9 sq ft
Fire hydrant clear zone
4-ft radius, 6 ft high
Street corner clear zone
15 ft, plants under 12 in
Unpermitted bed fine
$100 per violation
Issuing authority
Forestry Commissioner

Summary

St. Louis requires a landscape permit before planting a 'landscape bed' over nine square feet in the street right-of-way tree lawn, and bars tall plantings near fire hydrants, water meters, and street corners.

Any person wishing to install and plant a "landscape bed," hereby defined as a grouping of plants of similar or dissimilar type in an area of landscape that is more or less continuous in nature and greater than nine square feet in size in any street or alley right-of-way in the City, shall first obtain a landscape permit authorizing such bed from the Commissioner.

Source: STL Forestry DivisionView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).

Full Breakdown

Under City Code § 22.48.190, the strip of street right-of-way between the sidewalk and curb, the 'tree lawn' or parkway, is regulated because its appearance affects neighborhood property values. Anyone planting a landscape bed larger than nine square feet, or installing non-vegetative features like raised planters, retaining walls, or landscape rock in a street or alley right-of-way, must first get a landscape permit from the Forestry Commissioner. Vegetation over 12 inches tall is barred within 4 feet of fire hydrants, 2 feet of water meter pits, and 15 feet of street corners. Unpermitted landscape beds and code-violating vegetation are declared public nuisances the Commissioner may remove without notice.

Violations & Fines

Planting an unpermitted landscape bed draws a $100 fine per violation plus removal, replacement, or remediation costs billed by the Commissioner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to plant flowers in my tree lawn?
Only if the bed exceeds nine square feet: smaller plantings don't require a landscape permit under § 22.48.190.
Can I put a retaining wall or rocks in the parkway strip?
No, not without a landscape permit from the Forestry Commissioner authorizing the non-vegetative feature first.
How tall can plants be near a fire hydrant?
Under 12 inches within a 4-foot radius and 6-foot height clearance around the hydrant, per § 22.48.190.D.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Louis

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All St. Louis rules

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