Town Tree & Shrub Ordinance

The community tree canopy is a major component of the Town’s green infrastructure.  The purpose of the Tree & Shrub Ordinance is to enhance and improve the protection and maintenance of the Town’s urban forest.  It promotes and preserves the Town’s aesthetic value and provides for the public general welfare and safety with respect to trees and shrubs.  The ordinance regulates and controls the planting of trees and shrubs on Town-owned property.

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Town Ordinance- Municipal Code, Section 8.7 – Trees and Shrubs [PDF], contains provisions regarding the preservation and protection of all Town-owned trees and shrubs. This ordinance establishes authorization and standards for addressing a wide range of issues regarding the community’s tree canopy.

  • All trees and shrubs located on or growing in the public right-of-way are the property of the Town. 
  • The Town has the authority to prune or remove any tree or shrub located on or growing in the public right-of-way.
  • Property owners adjacent to public streets, alleys, or sidewalks should not permit the limbs or foliage of trees or shrubs planted on their premises to grow in such a manner as to become an impediment.  Any branch or portion of a tree or shrub shall be considered an impediment if it is less than 8 feet above a sidewalk or less than 14 feet above an alley or street.
  • Any tree or shrub located on or growing in the public right-of-way cannot be pruned or removed unless a Tree Impact Permit (PDF) has been obtained from the Town.
  • No person can plant a tree or shrub in the public right-of-way unless a Tree Impact Permit has been obtained from the Town.  All tree species that are permitted to be planted in the public right-of-way must be included on the Town of Normal Recommended Tree List (PDF). 
  • It is unlawful for any person to dig a trench or other hole deeper than one inch on Town property within an area closer than one foot of the outer dripline of any tree unless a Tree Impact Permit has been obtained from the Town.