Columbia Existing trees located on public street right-of-way ordinance (§ 24-94)
Chapter 24: Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places · Article V. Landscape Planting in Public Right-Of-Way
In short: Trees already standing in public street right-of-way on February 21, 1994 may stay, unless the director of public works decides they now block, or at maturity will block, required sight distance, interfere with utilities or street lights, or otherwise endanger public health, safety and welfare.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
Any tree located on public street right-of-way on February 21, 1994 shall be allowed to remain in place unless the director of public works determines that it presently does, or at maturity will, obstruct required sight distance, interfere with utilities or street lights, or otherwise endanger the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Columbia.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 24-94
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.