Lawn, Landscaping & Tree Maintenance

Lawn, Landscaping & Tree Maintenance Adjacent to Public Property


City of Lincoln, Nebraska (Lancaster County)

  1. Understanding the Areas

Below is a simplified diagram showing typical frontage from a home toward the street:

Lot Line → Lawn/Plantings → Sidewalk → Grass/Plantings → Curb → Street

Key term – Sidewalk Space:
The area between the private property line and the curb, including:

  • Grass strips (often called the parkway or parking strip)
  • Landscape beds
  • Trees and shrubs
  • The sidewalk itself

Although this area is City-owned, maintenance duties are assigned to the abutting homeowner under City code.

  1. Homeowner Responsibilities (Required by City Code)

Lawn & Landscaping (Lot Line → Curb)

Homeowners are responsible for routine care of landscaping in the sidewalk space, including:

  • Mowing grass
  • Watering lawns and plantings
  • Weed control
  • Raking and removal of leaves, branches, and debris
  • Trimming and pruning shrubs and ornamental plantings

Legal Authority: Lincoln Municipal Code § 12.20.035

Trees & Shrubs – Safety Clearance

Homeowners must ensure trees and shrubs on their property do not interfere with public use of sidewalks or streets.

Minimum clearance requirements:

  • At least 8 feet above sidewalks
  • At least 13 feet 7 inches above streets/roadways

This applies to vegetation growing on private property and extending into the public right-of-way.

Legal Authority: Lincoln Municipal Code § 8.12.080

Sidewalk Use & Obstructions

Homeowners are responsible for keeping sidewalks in front of their property:

  • Free of obstructions
  • Safe for pedestrian travel
  • Clear of snow and ice after winter weather events
    • HOA will conduct snow/ice removal

Legal Authority: Nebraska Revised Statute § 15-734

  1. What the City of Lincoln Is Responsible For

The City retains authority over:

  • Ownership of sidewalks and right-of-way
  • Major street tree planting, removal, or corrective pruning
  • Permitting and enforcement related to public infrastructure

However, routine maintenance remains the homeowner’s responsibility unless otherwise notified by the City.

  1. HOA Note

Homeowners should be aware that:

  • HOA landscaping standards may be more restrictive than City minimums
  • HOA enforcement is separate from City code enforcement
  • Failure to maintain frontage areas may result in City citations, HOA violations, or both
  1. Quick Responsibility Summary

Area / Task

Responsible Party

Front lawn, sidewalk, driveway (private lot)

Homeowner

Grass & landscaping between lot line and curb

Homeowner

Shrubs & ornamental plants in sidewalk space

Homeowner

Tree trimming for sidewalk/street clearance

Homeowner/HOA on occasion

Snow & ice removal from adjacent sidewalk

Snow & ice removal from commons sidewalk

Common area lots, sidewalks, vegetation

Homeowner

HOA

HOA

Tree removal or planting

Sidewalk repair & street ownership

City of Lincoln/Homeowner by permit

City of Lincoln


For questions:
Refer to the Lincoln Municipal Code or contact the City of Lincoln Parks & Recreation or Transportation & Utilities Department.

(This reference sheet is for informational purposes and does not replace official City ordinances or HOA governing documents, nor legal restrictions, requirement, or advisement.)