Tree Trimming: Chino vs Hesperia
How do tree trimming rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Hesperia.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Street trees and parkway trees in Chino are regulated under Title 11 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places) and Title 12 (Public Property). Property owners are responsible for trimming private trees that overhang the public right-of-way to maintain mandated clearance (typically 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over roadways). Removal or major pruning of designated street trees requires a city permit and follows ISA pruning standards. State law (Public Utilities Code section 12808) and CPUC General Order 95 govern clearance around overhead utility lines.
View full Chino rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Municipal Code §16.24.110 incorporates San Bernardino County Code §88.01.060 for plant preservation, which protects Joshua trees as well as other native desert species. Statewide, the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (Fish & Game Code §1927) prohibits removal, trimming, damaging, moving, or killing a Western Joshua tree without a CDFW take permit — fines start at $1,000+ per tree.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| Local code titles | Chino Municipal Code Title 11 and Title 12 | - |
| Sidewalk clearance | 8 feet vertical (typical Cal. standard) | - |
| Roadway clearance | 14 feet vertical (typical Cal. standard) | - |
| Utility line clearance | CPUC General Order 95 (SCE clears around energized lines) | - |
| Street tree removal | Permit required; replacement may be required | - |
| Code Authority | - | HMC §16.24.110 → SB County §88.01.060 |
| State Law | - | Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (FGC §1927) |
| Permit Issuer (Joshua) | - | CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) |
| Required Document | - | Protected Plant Preservation Plan |
| Mitigation Fee (residential) | - | $150+ per tree |
| ROW Trees | - | City permit required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I trim the parkway tree in front of my house in Chino?
Parkway trees that are city-owned cannot be removed or substantially pruned without a permit from the city's Public Works/Community Services Department. Homeowners may perform light pruning of overhanging private branches but should not top or cut into the structural framework of a city tree.
What about trees near power lines?
Do not trim near energized lines. Call Southern California Edison; line-clearance crews handle clearance around overhead conductors under CPUC GO 95.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I cut down a Joshua tree on my Hesperia property?
No, not without a permit. Under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (Cal. Fish & Game Code §1927) and Hesperia Municipal Code §16.24.110, you must obtain a take permit from CDFW and may need to pay a mitigation fee before removing, relocating, or trimming a Western Joshua tree.
Do I need a permit to trim trees on my own property in Hesperia?
For non-protected trees on private property, routine pruning is generally unregulated. But Joshua trees and other protected desert plants require approval, and any tree in the public right-of-way requires a city permit before trimming.
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