Outlined below are guidelines that will assist you in the lawful removal of trees from public or private property in Peoria, Illinois. Within this information are the regulations, specific steps, and ordinances regarding the cutting and removal of dead, dying, injured or hazardous trees.
Residential Private Property Tree Removal Permit Regulations
Residential property owners in Peoria looking to improve their landscape or remove distressed trees should note that no permit is required by the City unless:
- The tree is located in a historical neighborhood and has historical significance.
- The tree is growing on the property line and could be determined to be in the public right of way.
If neither of the above applies, a tree removal permit nor application is required.
Emergency Tree Removal from Public Property, Sidewalk or City Street
The City of Peoria Public Works Department is responsible for the care, trimming, and removal of all trees on the City’s public right of way. Listed below are varying cases for the removal of dead, dying or hazardous trees, and how they are to be addressed:
Public Tree Blocking Road or Impeding Traffic – When a storm-damaged limb or fallen tree is encountered in the roadway or impeding traffic, the City’s Public Works Department – Forestry Division should be contacted at (309) 494-8850. In the event of physical damage or an after hours occurrence, call 911 for Emergency Services.
Public Tree Blocking Sidewalk or Driveway – If a fallen city tree or large limb is blocking a sidewalk or driveway, the City’s Public Works Department – Forestry Division should be contacted at (309) 494-8850.
Public Tree Fallen on Private Property – If a tree or branch from city property falls onto your yard or private property, the City’s Public Works Department – Forestry Division should be contacted at (309) 494-8850 and will remove the entire tree.
Power Line or Utility Interfering Tree – Ameren will disconnect the service drop (by scheduled appointment via 1-800-755-5000) for private property locations to allow residents or their agents to trim back or remove interfering trees. Residents should report public or city trees that pose a hazard to utilities and power lines to Ameren Illinois.
For further utility-related tree damage or interference, visit Ameren’s tree trimming and removal forestry division.
Public Tree Diseased, Dead or Dying – If there appears to be a dead or dying tree on city property that needs to be checked for removal, the City’s Public Works Department – Forestry Division should be contacted at (309) 494-8850.
Private Tree Fallen on Public Property – If a tree from your yard or private property falls onto public property, the City’s Public Works Department – Forestry Division should be contacted at (309) 494-8850. The City is only responsible for removing the portion of the tree in the public right of way. The remainder of the tree on private property will be the property owner’s responsibility.
Visit the City of Peoria Public Works Forestry Division for more information or to request tree removal.
City of Peoria Tree Ordinance Regulations
The City ordinances regarding trees within Peoria relate more toward the public right of way. Below you will find the principle details which impact private property owners and residents.
- The City of Peoria does not require a tree removal permit on private property unless the property is located within a Historic District.
- If the private property is located within a Historic District, the City of Peoria’s Senior Planner for Community Development should be contacted at (309) 494-8649. The case should then be taken to the Head of the Historic District Commission to acquire a “Certificate of Appropriateness”.
- It is the responsibility of property owners and/or their occupants to prune their trees in such a manner that they do not obstruct the public right of way.
The following is an excerpt from The City of Peoria, Illinois Municode chapter 29 paragraph 5 as it relates to “Obstruction; trees to be pruned.”
Sec. 29-5. – Obstruction; trees to be pruned.
It shall be the duty of any person owning or occupying real property bordering on any street upon which property there may be trees, to prune such trees in such manner that they will not obstruct or shade the streetlights, obstruct the passage of pedestrians on sidewalks, obstruct vision of traffic signs, traffic signals, or obstruct view of any street or alley intersection. The minimum clearance of any overhanging portion thereof shall be seven feet over sidewalks and 16 feet over all streets.
(1) Notice to prune. Should any person or persons owning real property bordering on any street fail to prune trees as hereinabove provided, the city arborist shall order such person or persons to so prune such trees within 14 days after receipt of written notice by certified mail.
(2) Certified mail. The order required herein shall be served by mailing a copy of the order to the last known address of the property owner by certified mail.
(3) Failure to comply; city action. When a person to whom an order is directed shall fail to comply within the specified time, it shall be lawful for the city to prune such trees, and the cost thereof shall be payable by the owner and collected as a debt owed to the city.
(Code 1957, § 39-9)
City of Peoria Arborist & Community Development Department
The City of Peoria Public Works and Community Development Department can provide further clarification on the tree ordinance, permit, and land development plan requirements. Use the below information to contact the respective city department representative.
Leah Allison
City of Peoria Public Works
Tree & Forestry Division
(309) 494-8850
Shannon Techie
City of Peoria Community Development
Senior Planner
(309) 494-8649
Ameren Illinois
Power & Utilities
1-800-755-5000