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Troy, MI Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

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

Key Facts

Tree ratio
1 tree per 50 lineal feet of street frontage
Governing section
Zoning Ordinance Section 13.02.F.2.a
Size/spacing standard
Table 13.02-C under Section 13.02.H
Banned species
Norway Maple, Amur Maple, Silver Maple (Table 13.02-D)
Deposit required
Cash/certified check before permit, Ch. 41 Sec. 4.00.D.5
Violation class
Municipal Civil Infraction, Chapter 100
Applies to
New subdivisions and site condominiums

Summary

Troy's Zoning Ordinance requires one street tree for every 50 lineal feet of frontage along internal public or private streets in new subdivisions and site condominiums. Each tree must meet the size and spacing table in Section 13.02.H and skip the invasive species banned under Section 13.02.I, including Norway Maple and Silver Maple.

The frontage of all internal public or private streets shall be landscaped with the equivalent of one (1) tree for every fifty (50) lineal feet, or fraction thereof. Such street trees shall meet the minimum size, spacing and species requirements set forth in Sections 13.02.H, Minimum Size and Spacing Requirements, and Section 13.02.I, Prohibited Species.

Full Breakdown

a of the Chapter 39 Zoning Ordinance, effective July 23, 2026, sets the parkway planting rule for every new subdivision and site condominium in Troy: the frontage of all internal public or private streets must be landscaped with the equivalent of one tree for every 50 lineal feet, or fraction thereof. The ordinance does not leave species or size to the developer's judgment. 02-C, which sets minimum height, caliper and spread by tree class along with maximum on-center spacing so trees are not crowded along the right-of-way.

02-D because those species are not native to the area, reproduce profusely and can harm the surrounding ecosystem; the banned list includes Norway Maple, Amur Maple and Silver Maple. The planting duty is backed by money up front. 5, requires a builder to deposit cash or a certified check with the City Clerk in an amount the governing body sets from an estimate by the Director of Parks and Recreation, covering the cost of purchasing and installing the street trees. No building permit is issued until that deposit, together with the sidewalk deposit, is accepted by the City. B apply on top of the frontage tree count.

Violations & Fines

Planting a banned species or skipping the required street trees is enforced as a Municipal Civil Infraction under Chapter 100 of the Troy Code of Ordinances per Zoning Ordinance Section 3.08.A. An unlawful use of land begun in violation of the Zoning Ordinance is also declared a public nuisance per se under Section 3.08.B, abatable by order of any court of competent jurisdiction. Separately, no building permit issues on a new subdivision lot until the street tree and sidewalk deposit under Chapter 41 Section 4.00.D.5 is posted with the City Clerk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many street trees does a new Troy subdivision need?
One tree for every 50 lineal feet of frontage along internal public or private streets, per Zoning Ordinance Section 13.02.F.2.a. A partial 50-foot stretch still counts, so a builder cannot round down on a short block to skip a tree.
Can a Troy developer plant Norway Maple as a street tree?
No. Section 13.02.I and Table 13.02-D bar newly planting Norway Maple, Amur Maple, Silver Maple and other listed invasive species anywhere in required landscaping because they spread aggressively and damage native ecosystems. Only species outside that table qualify for the frontage tree count.
Does Troy make builders pay for street trees before construction?
Yes. Chapter 41 Section 4.00.D.5 requires a cash or certified-check deposit with the City Clerk, sized to the Parks and Recreation Director's cost estimate for purchasing and installing the trees. The City withholds the building permit until that deposit and the matching sidewalk deposit are accepted.
What happens if a Troy subdivision violates the street tree rule?
The violation is a Municipal Civil Infraction under Chapter 100, and an unlawful land use begun in violation of the Zoning Ordinance is also a public nuisance per se under Section 3.08.B, letting any court of competent jurisdiction order it abated.

Sources & Official References

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