Covington Street Tree Permit: What It Means for Your Stump

What does Covington ask for before a street tree comes out?

Covington asks you to file a Street Tree Permit before work starts. The Urban Forestry page says: “If you would to plant, prune, or remove a tree in the space between the sidewalk and the street in front of your house, fill out this Street Tree Permit before you start work.” The wording of that sentence, including “would to,” is the city’s own.

The space the page describes is the tree lawn. It sits on the right-of-way, which is public land. A tree there is a street tree. The facts below follow the city pages as of October 2026.

Who has authority over trees on the street?

The city does. Chapter 51 of the Covington code of ordinances covers urban forestry. Section 51.03 says the city has jurisdiction over trees, shrubs and other plants “in, on or along (except on private property) any public street, sidewalk, right-of-way, easement and in any park or other public place owned by the city.” It also says the city has the power “to cause or prohibit the planting, maintenance, removal and replacement of such trees.”

That is why a permit comes first. The city regulates the public strip. See our Covington stump grinding page for local information.

Does the permit cost money?

Sometimes, and the amount is not on the page. The city says: “In some cases, there is a nominal fee, which you pay with this Permit Fee Form.” The page does not list prices. Call Public Works at (859) 292-2292 or Urban Forestry at (859) 380-5944 to find out what applies to your tree.

The page also says: “The City prunes street trees on a regular schedule.” If weather or disease has damaged a street tree and it needs special attention, you can tell the city. The page lists a work order request form and the two phone numbers above.

What about a tree on my own lot?

Private-property trees are mostly outside city regulation. The city page puts it this way: “Trees on private property generally don’t fall under City regulation unless they’re in a historic overlay zone or on a hillside where their removal could affect slope stability or storm drainage.”

Chapter 51 says the same in code form: “This chapter shall not regulate trees, shrubs or other plants located on private property.” The city adds that other ordinances, such as zoning and subdivision rules, may apply separately.

Two terms matter. A historic overlay zone is a district with its own rules. Hillside tree rules apply where removal could affect slope or drainage. If your lot is in either, call the city before any removal. Neither page says what those rules require, so we do not guess.

Does the page say anything about the stump?

No. The Urban Forestry page covers the permit to plant, prune or remove. It does not address stump grinding. It does not say who grinds a street tree stump or whether the permit covers it.

That gap matters. Other cities in the region answer the question in different ways. Cincinnati takes a 311 request, Wyoming says its city grinds, and Milford and Hamilton name the property owner. Our guide who owns the stump on the tree lawn lays them side by side. For Covington, ask Urban Forestry whether the stump is yours, and whether the permit covers the grinding.

Can I look up the city’s trees?

Yes. The Urban Forestry page says: “In 2021 the City unveiled a tree inventory map that, among other things, allows forestry fans to search by neighborhood, tree size, and tree type.” The page also warns about the data: “The information is based on a survey conducted by a private contractor a few years ago, so it might not reflect newly planted or removed trees.” Use the map as a hint about whether a tree is public, then confirm with the city.

What should I do before a stump grinder digs?

Follow these steps.

1. Find where the stump sits. Is it in the strip between sidewalk and street, or on your lot?
2. For a strip tree, fill out the Street Tree Permit before any work. Ask about the fee.
3. Ask the city who handles the stump.
4. Place a Kentucky 811 request ahead of any digging.
5. Mark your own private lines, such as sprinkler wire and lamp post wiring.

On the 811 step, KRS 367.4911(1)(a) reads: “Each excavator, or person responsible for an excavation, planning excavation, or demolition work shall, not less than two (2) full working days nor more than ten (10) full working days prior to commencing work, unless a future start date is agreed upon as provided in KRS 367.4917(7), notify each affected operator’s designated protection notification center of the excavator’s intended work and work schedule.” The statute does not name stumps. Ask Kentucky 811 whether your job counts. The pillar before you grind: 811, tree lawn and permits has the full text and the other quotes.

Next step

Start with the permit form on the city page, then plan the stump. Read do you need to call 811 for stump grinding for the timing. Call (513) 587-6772 or send photos for a free estimate.