Council adopts changes to tree ordinance to require replacement and add flexibility for narrow tree lawns

The Leawood City Council unanimously adopted amendments to the city code governing street-tree care, removal and replacement.

The ordinance requires a right-of-way permit for removal of street trees and generally requires replacement trees unless a tree is hazardous or diseased. The update narrows where the city will require replanting and gives the public-works director discretion to approve alternate planting locations or smaller species in tight tree lawns.

Under the changes, homeowners or homeowners associations seeking to remove street trees must apply for a right-of-way permit; the code allows an HOA to submit a single application covering up to 50 trees to streamline multi-tree projects. The revisions also reduce the minimum tree-lawn width for certain rules from 7 feet to 6.5 feet for trees planted before 2015 and permit root barriers or thicker sidewalk construction in narrow locations.

During the council meeting several residents and HOA representatives spoke in favor of preserving the city’s tree canopy; Waterford subdivision members described a neighborhood-funded tree-replacement fund and urged robust city support. Staff told the council the changes align city code with existing public-works practice (permitting and review) and that the city will use communications channels to inform homeowners and HOAs about the permit requirement.

Why it matters: The city is facing large street-tree losses from age and emerald ash borer damage; the changes aim to preserve the canopy while avoiding unworkable requirements on narrow lawns. The ordinance passed on an 8–0 roll-call vote.