Des Moines requires a tree removal and mitigation plan for any development activity under Chapter 42, Article X. No grading permit, site plan, or subdivision plat is approved until a plan is filed. Preserved trees must be protected during construction, and removed trees must be replaced.
Chapter 42 (Environment), Article X (Tree Removal and Mitigation), Β§Β§ 42-550 et seq. of the Des Moines Municipal Code (enacted via Ord. No. 14,889) requires any applicant seeking city approval of development activities β including grading permits, site plans, and subdivision plats β to submit and obtain approval of a tree removal and mitigation plan. Mature trees and canopy areas identified for preservation must be protected per city-approved standards during construction. Trees removed must be mitigated through on-site replacement planting or payment into a tree fund, based on caliper-inch calculations. The City Engineer and Parks Department administer the program.
No permit or development approval is issued without an approved tree plan. Unauthorized removal of protected trees may result in stop-work orders, fines, and mandatory replacement at a penalty multiplier ratio per Β§ 42-555.
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