Landscaping and Tree planting

HOA Governing Documents & Utility Easement Rules

• Public Utility Easements: 

  • Structures and permanent apparatus are prohibited within utility easements. Utility providers (e.g., Detroit Edison and Michigan Bell) hold no liability for removing trees or plant life within utility easements if they interfere with facilities or maintenance.

• Transformer Clearances: 

  • Shrubs and foliage are not permitted within 5 feet of the front doors of utility transformers or switching cabinets.

• Drainage: 

  • Plantings must not obstruct or alter established drainage patterns across properties or easements.

City of Rochester Hills Rules

• Permit Requirement: 

  • Planting any tree within the public road right-of-way (/easement) requires a free permit from the Parks and Forestry Division.

  • Removing a tree within the public road right-of-way (/easement) requires a Right-of-Way Tree Removal Permit. 

  • Anywhere else on your private property, a permit is not required for planting or removing a tree.

• Sidewalk & Pathway Setbacks:

  • Evergreens and low-branched ornamental trees must be set back at least 10 feet from sidewalks or pathways.

  • Shade trees and shrubs must be set back at least 5 feet from sidewalks or pathways.

• Spacing Requirements for Right-of-Way Trees:

  • Must be planted at least 10 feet from driveways and property lines.

  • Must be planted at least 25 feet from street intersections.

  • Must be spaced at least 30 feet apart from other trees.

• Clearance Standards:

  • Property owners must trim back vegetation at least 1 foot off sidewalk edges up to a height of 10 feet.

  • Mature tree height under overhead utility lines must not exceed the height of the utility lines.

• City Right of Maintenance: 

  • The City retains the right to trim or remove vegetation within the public right-of-way (/easement) without prior notice to preserve sightlines, public safety, and access to utilities or fire hydrants.

https://www.rochesterhills.org/departments/parks_and_natural_resources/trees.php