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Sioux City, IA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Sioux City Municipal Code § 17.40.050
Unlisted species
Written city manager permission required
Large tree example
Bur oak, sugar maple
Ash species
Approval-only listing

Summary

Sioux City limits street tree plantings to an official approved species list; anyone wanting to plant a species not on the list needs the city manager's written permission first.

The following list constitutes the official street tree species for the city. No species other than those included in this list may be planted as street trees without written permission from the city manager.

Acer nigrum- Black Maple Large Trees (Over 50 feet in height)

Columnar Acer platanoides- Norway Maple Ginkgo Biloba (male)- Ginkgo "Emerald Queen" "Fastigata" "Emerald Luster" "Autumn Gold" "Emerald King" "Debra-Schuedler" Quercus Aiba- White Oak Alba White Oak "Variegated" Quercus Macrocarpa- Burr Oak "Norway" "Schwedler-Norway" Quercus Rubra- Red Oak "Summershade" "Superform" Ulmus American "American Liberty Elm"

https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/siouxcity-ia/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-963 543/1110 8/12/26, 3:47 PM Document Viewer | Municipal Code

Acer saccharum- Sugar Maple Medium Trees (25 to 50 feet in height) "Green Mountain Sugar"

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 17.40.050 of the Sioux City Municipal Code sets the official street tree species list, grouped by mature size: large trees over 50 feet (such as bur oak and sugar maple), medium trees 25-50 feet (including honeylocust and littleleaf linden), and small trees up to 35 feet (crabapple, callery pear). Some species, like green and white ash, are approval-only. The rule applies to plantings in the parkway strip citywide in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa.

Violations & Fines

Planting an unlisted street tree species in the parkway without the city manager's written permission violates § 17.40.050 and is a municipal infraction under § 17.40.160.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant any tree species on the Sioux City parkway strip?
No: only species on the official list in § 17.40.050, unless the city manager gives written permission.
Are ash trees allowed as Sioux City street trees?
Only with approval; the code lists ash species as 'approval only.'

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sioux City

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParkway PlantingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Sioux City rules

Compare Sioux City to another location·View the Iowa tree protection overview

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