Hiawatha City Zoning Code

   The right-of-way is typically between the sidewalk and the curb and/or 15 feet from the back of curb but can vary on streets with no sidewalk. If you need assistance in determining where your tree is located contact: Hiawatha Public Works: 393-6601 or rjasa@hiawatha-iowa.com

   The public right-of-way is property dedicated to the City for public infrastructure like roadways, storm sewers, sidewalks and street lights. The state also allows utility providers to use the public right-of-way for their facilities.

   Utility easements* are areas of a property dedicated for utilities to deliver services such as electricity, gas, water, sanitary sewer, telephone, internet, and cable.

The land belongs to the homeowner, but utilities can access easements to perform routine maintenance, construct improvement projects and repair utility lines during emergencies.

*Not all properties have utility easements in the same location. The ones included in this illustration likely do not reflect where the ones on your property may be. All easements should be shown on the title work and plot pan provided at the time your property was purchased.

   Maintenance of ROW trees is a shared responsibility between the City of Hiawatha and the abutting property owner.

   1.   Major pruning and longer-term maintenance of all ROW trees.

   2.   Removing diseased or nuisance ROW trees.

   3.   Regulating all tree planting of ROW trees.

NOTE: The City has the authority to remove/prune any ROW tree at any time necessary.

   1.   Trim all trees as required for sidewalk (8 feet above) and street clearances (15 feet above),

   2.   Water all ROW trees as may be necessary.

NOTE: As the adjacent owner, you are expected to maintain everything between the street and your property line (the right-of-way). (Chapter 151: Trees and Vegetation)

   Any Hiawatha property owner that would like to plant a tree in the right-of-way adjacent to their property is encouraged to! Simply inquire with the Community Development department and complete a free permit. This process allows staff to accurately track right-of-way trees and to ensure proper spacing, placement and species selection. A site inspection will be performed by City staff prior to permit approval and once the planting is complete.

   You can plant a street tree by following the steps below. Links to approved right-of-way tree species, right-of-way tree permit and additional planting information can be found at www.hiawatha-iowa.com/trees.

   1.   Find and Identify Planting Spot. Trees in the right-of-way shall not be located within (4) four feet of a public sidewalk and (5) five feet off the curb. No trees shall be planted in the area between the curb and a sidewalk when the width of the area is less than (9) nine feet.

   2.   Select a tree species from the approved right-of-way tree planting list. Appendix A Link

   3.   Complete A Tree Permit. You can apply for a tree planting permit through www.hiawatha-iowa.com or contact City Hall (319-393-1515).

   4.   Contact Iowa One Call. Before digging or planting, you are required to contact Iowa One Call at 811 or (1-800-292-8989) to locate utilities. You can reach them 24/7. It is important to be mindful of underground and overhead utilities when planting in the ROW. Overhead utilities may prevent planting a tree or can limit planting to smaller ornamental varieties. Be aware when planting, that any damage to privately planted vegetation that occurs during repair and maintenance of utilities is at the expense of the homeowner.

   5.   Plant following these recommended instructions. How to Plant a Tree

   6.   Tree Care.

      A.   Pruning. Avoid pruning when you plant a new tree, unless you are removing dead or broken branches. Dead or diseased branches can be pruned at any time of the year, unless the tree is an elm or oak. Oak and elm trees should not be pruned from March 1st to November 1st to prevent the spread of Dutch Elm Disease and Oak Wilt.

      B.   Watering. Water trees in the spring, summer, and fall when the ground is not frozen. New trees need 5-10 gallons of water a week for the first two years of their life.

      C.   Mulch. Mulch should be 2-4 inches deep and kept away from the trunk of the tree. Spread it out as wide as possible, at least to the outer edge of the tree canopy. Replenish mulch as needed.

   **The Iowa State University Extension provides a Community Tree Planting and Care Guide with some great information. Click here.

   Private Tree Planting. Homeowners can help maintain and develop a long-term urban tree canopy. Among other benefits, trees help clean the air, reduce greenhouse gases, improve the appearance of neighborhoods, provide shade and other cooling effects, and support habitats for birds.

   In order to receive the most benefits from trees, we need to have a diverse urban forest that is better able to resist pests and disease and has the best chance for good growth and long-term survival. Please consider planting multiple species of trees as you replace the trees lost on your property.

   When deciding where to plant trees on your private property, consider where utilities are above and below the ground and how other structures, like a shed or garage, will impact the tree. Also, consider the projected size of the maturity, the impact on neighbors, and the shade or sun growing condition that the tree requires. Be sure to call Iowa One Call when planting on your property also.

Corner Visual Clearance. In order to prevent visual obstruction at intersections please do not plant within the site triangle.

   Consider if you prefer a broadleaf or coniferous tree when replacing trees on your private property. Broadleaf trees have broadleaves, and most species are deciduous because they lose their leaves in the fall and releaf in the spring. Broadleaf trees include fruit or flowering trees that are smaller in size and grown for decorative purposes, shade trees with a large canopy of leaves, and columnar trees that are tall, narrow, and take up less space. Coniferous trees have needle-like leaves they keep year-round. Coniferous trees cannot be planted in the right-of-way.

   Find a Certified Arborist- https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist 

   Trees Forever- How to Plant A Tree- http://www.treesforever.org/servlet/servlet.FileDownload?file=00P0e00001QlUGZEA3

   Iowa Department of Natural Resources- Tree Resources and Links- https://www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/Forestry/Urban-Forestry/Resources-and-Links#14044238-selection

   Iowa State University Extension- Community Tree Planting and Care Guide- https://www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/forestry/planting_careguide.pdf

   Iowa State University Extension- Sustainable Urban Landscapes- https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/Pruning-Trees-Shade-Flowering-and-Conifer-Sustainable-Urban-Landscapes 

   International Society of Arboriculture Tree Owner Resources- https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner