Columbus protects public trees through its urban forestry program. The city regulates removal and damage to trees in the public right-of-way and on city property. Private tree removal on residential lots generally does not require a permit unless tied to development.
Columbus City Code Chapter 909 governs the care and preservation of public trees. The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department manages the urban forestry program. Removal of or damage to trees in the public right-of-way requires city authorization. For development projects, tree preservation may be required as part of site plan review. The city encourages tree planting through its community forestry programs and provides free street trees to residents in some areas. Private property owners generally may remove trees on their own lots without a permit, unless the tree is in the right-of-way, the property is in a historic district, or removal is part of a development requiring site plan approval.
Unauthorized removal or damage to public trees can result in fines, required replacement plantings, and potential liability for restoration costs.
Columbus, OH
Columbus Fire Code Title 25 incorporates the International Fire Code Chapter 61 governing propane and LP-gas storage. Residential cylinders are limited in si...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no city ordinance regulating year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family properties. The Title 33 Graphics Code ...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no zoning, building, or graphics-code provision specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. The Title 33 Graphics Code exem...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no city ordinance restricting when residents may install or must remove holiday lights at single-family homes. The Columbus Graphics Code (Title...
Columbus, OH
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Columbus require permits from the Department of Building and Zoning Services when they involve gas-line extensions, electrical w...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no ordinance specifically targeting backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single- or two-family homes. General nuisance provis...
See how Columbus's tree ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.