Noblesville's tree protection framework rests on Code Chapter 97 (Street Trees, adopted via Ordinance 8-3-09), UDC § 159.083 (Preservation of Existing Natural Features), § 159.087 (Street Trees in development), §§ 159.183–159.186 (Landscape Design Standards, Parking Lot Landscaping, Building Base Landscaping, Landscape Buffer Yards), and the Arboricultural Specifications Manual (January 2024). The City Tree Board (seven members) develops the master plan; the Board of Public Works and Safety governs Chapter 97. Indiana Code 25-36.5 (Timber Buyers) and IC 36-1-3-4 (home rule) underpin local authority. Noblesville has been a Tree City USA for 35+ consecutive years.
Noblesville's tree governance structure: • Chapter 97 (Street Trees) — Adopted by Ordinance 8-3-09, regulates the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees, shrubs and other plants within City rights-of-way and on City-owned property. Establishes the Tree Board (7 members), assigns authority to the Board of Public Works and Safety, and references the City of Noblesville Approved Street Tree Species List (§ 97.10), Regular Tree Care permit rules (§ 97.12), and Specifications for Planting, Care and Removal of Street Trees. Penalty section: § 97.99. • UDC § 159.083 (Preservation of Existing Natural Features and Amenities) — Requires existing features (trees, watercourses, beaches, historic spots, irreplaceable assets) to be preserved in the design of any development. No trees may be removed and no grade may be changed until the primary plat is approved. Retained trees must be welled and grade-protected. • UDC § 159.087 (Street Trees) — Developer-funded street trees, 40–60 ft spacing, in or within 15 ft of ROW, centered between sidewalk and curb, approved species only. • UDC §§ 159.183–159.186 — Landscape design standards (plant quality, Central Indiana species, surety bond, installation timing); Parking Lot Landscaping; Building Base Landscaping; Landscape Buffer Yards. • Arboricultural Specifications Manual (January 2024) — Technical regulations for planting, maintenance, and removal of trees, shrubs and plants on City property, prepared by the Urban Forester. • City Tree Board — 7 members responsible for the master plan for care, preservation, pruning, planting, removal and disposition of street trees; also reports for the Tree City USA program (now in its 35th+ consecutive year). • Urban Forester — John Easley, 317-776-6348, primary contact for permits, planting requests, and street tree concerns. • State Layer — Indiana Code 25-36.5 (Timber Buyers Act) imposes treble damages for unauthorized cutting of standing timber. 312 IAC 18-3-25 prohibits 44 invasive species statewide. IC 14-24 (Pests and Pesticides) underpins the DNR Plant Rule. IC 36-1-3-4 (home rule) authorizes Noblesville's local ordinances.
Violations are enforced under the General Penalty for Chapter 97 (§ 97.99) for street tree violations, and through UDC enforcement procedures (stop-work orders, withholding of certificates of occupancy, calling of surety bonds) for landscape and preservation violations. The Indiana Code 25-36.5 treble-damages remedy is enforced through civil court. The Indiana DNR enforces 312 IAC 18-3-25 violations through stop-sale orders and civil penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Noblesville, IN
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Noblesville, IN
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Noblesville, IN
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Noblesville, IN
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Noblesville, IN
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