Thinking about trimming that oak along River Road or hiring a crew to remove a leaning pecan near the street? Before you schedule the work, it helps to know that the strip in front of your lot may be public right-of-way. Getting this wrong can lead to fines, delays, or utility problems you did not expect. In this guide, you’ll learn when tree work typically needs approval, who to call first, common clearance targets, and how to choose the right contractor so your project goes smoothly. Let’s dive in.
ROW in Jefferson Parish: what it means
Right-of-way, or ROW, is land used for public purposes. Along the River Road corridors, this can include roadside strips in front of private lots, drainage swales or ditches, sidewalks, and medians. Even if a tree appears to sit on “your” side of the curb, it may be inside the parish or state ROW.
More than one authority can control a strip of land. Jefferson Parish manages parish roads and drainage. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development oversees state highways and any state-owned ROW. Utilities may hold easements for overhead or underground lines. Some River Road areas have scenic or historic overlays that add review before work can begin. The rules that apply depend on who has jurisdiction where the tree stands.
When you likely need a permit
Tree work in the parish ROW often requires parish approval before trimming, pruning, removal, or root excavation. While Jefferson Parish sets the final call, these common triggers are a helpful starting point to plan your next step:
- Removal of any tree located in the parish ROW.
- Cutting roots, stump grinding, or grading in the ROW that could impact drainage or stability.
- Pruning that involves removing large limbs or using climbing equipment where public infrastructure is affected.
- Work that changes trees inside a scenic, historic, or zoning overlay along River Road corridors.
- Any work that affects sight distance at intersections or blocks sidewalks or drainage features.
Some minor pruning that only lifts small branches away from the roadway might not need a formal permit. You may still need to coordinate with the parish or utility providers. Always confirm specifics with Jefferson Parish before you start.
If the tree sits in a state-owned ROW next to a state route, LA DOTD handles the permit process. Parish permits do not override state jurisdiction.
Who to call before tree work
Start with Jefferson Parish. Contact Permits and Inspections or the Department of Public Works to confirm whether the tree sits in parish ROW and whether you need a permit. Ask about any scenic or River Road corridor rules that could apply.
If the tree is along a state highway or near a state bridge, call the LA DOTD district office. They will explain state ROW requirements and any permits you must obtain.
If overhead lines are nearby, contact the electric utility before you hire a contractor. Utilities manage clearances around energized conductors and may perform or approve any pruning. For gas, cable, and phone lines, coordinate with providers if lines are overhead or underground.
Before any digging, including stump removal, call 811 to have underground utilities marked. This protects you from costly damage and keeps the work site safe.
If your property falls in a scenic or historic overlay, check with the parish planning or historic preservation office. When in doubt about jurisdiction, start with the parish. They can route you to LA DOTD or a utility as needed.
Clearance and safety basics
Actual clearances are set by the parish, LA DOTD, or a utility. The points below reflect common practice so you can plan and ask the right questions.
Vertical clearance over roads
Municipal targets often aim for 14 to 16 feet above local roads so branches do not intrude into traffic. On arterial or state routes, higher clearances are common. Confirm the exact requirement for your street segment.
Vertical clearance over sidewalks
Typical practice aims for 8 to 10 feet of clearance over sidewalks. This allows safe pedestrian passage and room for maintenance vehicles where used.
Clearances near utility lines
Utilities set their own clearance zones. Lower-voltage lines usually require several feet of lateral separation, and higher-voltage circuits demand greater distances and utility-certified crews. Do not prune within a utility’s clearance zone. Contact the electric utility first if branches are near conductors.
Sight triangles at intersections
Vegetation near intersections and driveway corners must be maintained to protect sight distance. Many communities keep vegetation below a low height within measured triangular areas. Ask the parish for the specific dimensions that apply to your corner or driveway.
Drainage ditches and culverts
Work on roots or stumps that could alter drainage flow or destabilize a ditch bank often needs a permit and inspection. You may need to restore the ditch or use erosion control after removal. Confirm expectations before you start.
Professional pruning standards
Pruning in the ROW should follow accepted industry practices, such as International Society of Arboriculture and ANSI A300 guidelines. For trees near utilities, use utility-approved vegetation management methods.
Choose the right contractor
You can protect yourself and your property by choosing a qualified, insured contractor and confirming permit requirements in writing.
- Get written confirmation from Jefferson Parish or LA DOTD about whether a permit is needed. If a permit is required, ask whether you or the contractor must apply.
- Request contractor documentation: a parish business license, general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and proof of relevant training. ISA Certified Arborist credentials are a good sign for pruning and removals.
- Ask for a written scope of work. It should spell out pruning limits, removal methods, coordination with utilities, and how the ROW will be restored afterward.
- Confirm the contractor will call 811 and coordinate with utilities before digging or working near lines.
- Get multiple estimates from licensed, insured firms and check references.
Understand liability
Unauthorized removal or alteration of trees in the ROW can lead to fines or required replacement. If a contractor damages a utility or public infrastructure, you or the contractor may be billed for repairs. Make sure the contractor’s insurance is in place and that responsibility for damages is clear in writing.
If a tree is diseased, failing, or dangerously leaning into the public way, notify the parish. Emergency procedures can differ from routine permits and may speed up the response.
Homeowner checklist
Use this quick plan to organize your project and avoid surprises.
Identify where the tree sits. Determine if it is on private property or in parish or state ROW. Contact the parish if you need help.
Call Jefferson Parish Permits and Inspections or Public Works. Ask whether a permit is required for your planned trimming or removal and whether River Road corridor rules apply.
If your location is next to a state route, contact the LA DOTD district office for state ROW steps.
Call 811 before any digging or stump and root excavation. Wait for utilities to be marked.
Contact your utility providers. If branches are near overhead lines or if underground lines cross the work area, follow their guidance.
Get written estimates from licensed, insured contractors. Confirm who will file and pay for any required permits.
Ask for proof of insurance and training. Request adherence to ISA and ANSI A300 pruning standards.
Keep records. Save permit copies, utility coordination notes, and all emails or letters.
After the work, confirm the ROW is restored. Ask the parish if an inspection is required.
Special considerations on River Road
River Road corridors often have scenic or historic value. That can mean more review before you alter the landscape. If your property sits near Plantation Estates or another River Road segment with a scenic or historic overlay, plan extra time to check with the parish planning or historic preservation office.
Drainage and flood control can also affect tree work along River Road. Trees near levees or flood control structures may fall under additional agencies, such as a levee district or the Army Corps. If you are close to a levee or flood feature, double-check jurisdiction before you begin.
Plan your next step
Caring for trees along River Road keeps your block safe and attractive, and it protects your property value. A little planning up front can prevent costly corrections later. If you are prepping a home for sale or getting your yard ready to list in the River Road or Plantation Estates area, make sure your tree work complies with the right-of-way rules and local reviews.
If you want to talk through how ROW rules could affect your timeline or listing prep, reach out to Franklin Group. Get Your Free Home Valuation and a plan that fits your goals.
FAQs
What is the public right-of-way in Jefferson Parish?
- The ROW is land used for public purposes, such as roadside strips, drainage swales, sidewalks, and medians. Along River Road, a tree that looks like it is in your yard may still be inside the parish or state ROW.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the ROW along River Road?
- Removal in parish ROW typically requires parish approval. If the tree is in state-owned ROW next to a state route, LA DOTD handles the permit. Always confirm jurisdiction first.
Who do I call before pruning near power lines by River Road?
- Contact the electric utility first. Utilities set clearance zones and often perform or approve trimming near energized lines. Do not prune within their required clearance.
What are typical clearance heights over streets and sidewalks?
- Many communities aim for 14 to 16 feet of vertical clearance over local roads and 8 to 10 feet over sidewalks. Confirm exact numbers with Jefferson Parish or LA DOTD for your location.
How do I avoid hitting underground utilities during stump removal?
- Call 811 before any digging. Wait for all underground lines to be marked, and make sure your contractor observes the marks during removal and restoration.
What happens if a contractor damages public infrastructure in the ROW?
- You or the contractor may be responsible for repair costs, and fines or restoration orders may apply. Verify insurance and responsibility for damages in writing before work begins.
