HomeMy WebLinkAboutRight-of-way brochure.pdfPLANTING IN THE
RIGHT-OF-WAY
If you have questions about planting trees or
other vegetation in the City right-of-way,
please visit www.icgov.org/tree-planting,
or contact Iowa City Housing & Inspections
staff at (319) 356-5135, or Forestry staff at
the Iowa City Parks & Recreation Dept.
at (319) 356-5100.
What is the City right-of-way?
The City right-of-way is intended for the movement of the
public, including public utilities as defined by City code 16-
1A. The City right-of-way typically includes the sidewalk and
grassy area between the street and sidewalk. The right-of-way
is owned by the City, but maintained by the abutting property
owners, with the exception of tree maintenance (City Code:
16-1A).
Maintenance of City right-of-way
The City Forestry division cares for and maintains the trees
within the right-of-way. Abutting property owners are
responsible for mowing and keeping the right-of-way in a safe
condition free from defects, debris, nuisances, obstructions or
any other hazard (City Code: 16-1A).
Planting within the City right-of-way
• Trees
Planting a tree within the right-of-way requires a
permit, which can be obtained by contacting the
Forestry Division at www.icgov.org/tree-planting or
(319) 356-5100.
• Flowers and shrubs
Flowers and shrubs may be planted in the right-of-way
provided they do not grow taller than 4 feet above the
curb height and are contained 1 foot inside the side-
walk edge and 1 foot inside the street curb edge. For
example, if you have a six foot wide grass right-of-way,
one foot in on any edge will allow you a four foot wide
planting area in the center (City Code: 14-5F).
Planting near a vision triangle
At the intersection of two roads, planted vegetation
must be kept under 2-feet high in the vision triangle,
which is 30-feet back from the point where the street
curb intersects. Outside of the vision triangle,
vegetation must be kept under 4-feet tall
(City Code: 14-5D).
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if there has been a complaint about what I’ve
planted in the right-of-way?
A staff member from Housing Inspection Services will inspect
and determine if the plantings violate any of the outlined
requirements.
Should I be concerned about utilities when planting in
the right-of-way?
Before digging or planting contact Iowa One Call at
1-800-292-8989 to locate utilities. It is important to be
mindful of underground and overhead utilities when planting
in the right-of-way. Overhead utilities may prevent planting
a tree or can limit planting to small, ornamental varieties.
Please note that any damage to privately-planted vegetation
that occurs during repair and maintenance of utilites is at the
expense of the home owner.