Tulsa, OK Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- License Agreement or IDP approval
- Arterial curb clearance
- 7 ft minimum (2 ft in CBD)
- Sidewalk clearance
- 4 ft minimum
- Fire hydrant clearance
- 15 ft minimum
- Max fine
- $1,000 per day
Summary
Tulsa requires a permit before planting any street tree in the public right-of-way and sets exact spacing: at least 7 feet from an arterial curb, 4 feet from a sidewalk, and 15 feet from any fire hydrant.
C. Spacing and clearance. Spacing requirements for street trees are as follows:1. No tree on an arterial street shall be planted closer than seven (7) feet from the face of the street curb or closer than four (4) feet from a sidewalk, except that in the central business district street trees may be planted no closer than two (2) feet from the curb and need not be planted a minimum distance from a sidewalk;
Full Breakdown
Before planting a tree in the parkway or any street right-of-way, the abutting property owner must get a License Agreement from the City (or, on a permitted development, approval through the Infrastructure Development Permit) and use only species on the Tulsa Planning Office/INCOG approved street-tree list. Arterial-street trees must sit at least 7 feet from the face of the curb and 4 feet from a sidewalk (2 feet from the curb in the Central Business District, with no sidewalk offset required). Trees can't crowd fire hydrants (15-foot clearance), intersections (no branches within a sight-distance triangle, no growth over 30 inches within 100 feet of an arterial intersection), or utility wires (20 lateral feet for overhead lines). Canopy must clear 8 feet over sidewalks and 9 feet over the street.
Violations & Fines
Planting an unapproved species, ignoring the curb/sidewalk/hydrant spacing standards, or topping a street tree is a Title 35 offense, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine per day the violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a tree in the Tulsa right-of-way?
How close to the curb can a new street tree go?
Can the City remove a tree I planted in the parkway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulsa
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle parkway planting.