Planting Trees in the Right-of-Way or Swale

A permit is required to plant trees on a swale/right-of-way to ensure that the tree or palm species being selected follows the right tree in the right place principles. Of utmost importance is that the selected tree or palm species and the planting location do not create a visibility safety issue for pedestrians or vehicles.

Here are things that must be avoided when choosing a location and species to plant on the right-of-way:

• Fruit trees or coconut palms that can drop large fruit and create a hazard for vehicles and pedestrians
• Multi-trunk palms that can encroach into the road and sidewalk
• Planting trees, palms or shrubs close to intersections, specifically on corner lots that can result in sight triangle visibility safety issues with vehicles
• Planting trees, palms, or shrubs that can result in visibility issues with vehicles exiting driveways
• Planting tree or palm species that have the potential to grow into power lines

To apply for a permit:

Submit an application via the Public Works permit portal. You will need to include in PDF format:

• Signed notarized public works application
• Survey/site plan depicting existing conditions and proposed plantings to be per code
• Recorded landscape covenant. The covenant must be recorded with the Clerk of Courts

To obtain the application packet, contact [email protected]. 

If you reside in a municipality, contact them directly for specific information regarding landscape issues or planting trees along the public right-of-way.