Parkway Planting: Chino vs Rialto
How do parkway planting rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Trees in the public parkway (the strip between sidewalk and curb) and elsewhere in the public right-of-way are city property, planted, maintained, and removed only by Chino Public Works Services (909-334-3266). Residents may not plant, remove, top, or substantially prune parkway trees themselves. Two HOA-maintained areas — College Park and The Preserve — handle their own street trees instead of Public Works.
View full Chino rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
The parkway strip between curb and sidewalk in Rialto is public right-of-way regulated by Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places). Planting, replacing, or removing a parkway tree requires Public Works approval, and species must come from the city's approved street-tree palette. New subdivisions and large developments must install street trees as a condition of map and site approval under Title 17 (Subdivisions) and Title 18 (Zoning).
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Resident parkway planting | Not allowed without city approval | - |
| City Public Works contact | 909-334-3266 | - |
| Species list | City master street tree list (select from approved species) | - |
| HOA-maintained areas | College Park (909-606-7374); The Preserve (909-606-7446) | - |
| Encroachment permit | Required under Chino Code Title 11 for parkway modifications | - |
| Parkway jurisdiction | - | Public right-of-way - Title 12 |
| Permit required to plant | - | Yes - Public Works |
| Species | - | From city-approved street tree palette |
| Subdivisions | - | Street trees required per Title 17 |
| Clearance | - | 8 ft sidewalk / 14 ft roadway typical |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I plant my own tree in the parkway?
Not without prior approval from Public Works. The city selects species from a master list to ensure compatibility with sidewalks, utilities, sight lines, and neighborhood character.
Can I trim a parkway tree blocking my driveway view?
Call Public Works at 909-334-3266 — they handle sight-distance and building-clearance pruning case-by-case. Resident topping or heavy pruning is not allowed.
Who maintains street trees in The Preserve and College Park?
The respective HOAs — Preserve HOA (909-606-7446) and College Park HOA (909-606-7374). The city Public Works program does not service those areas.
What if I want to remove a dead parkway tree?
Report it to Public Works; they will inspect, remove if warranted, and typically replant from the approved master list at no cost to the homeowner.
Rialto FAQ
Can I plant a tree in the parkway strip in front of my house?
Only with a Public Works permit and using an approved species. The strip is public right-of-way under Title 12, not private property.
Who waters and trims the parkway tree?
Adjacent property owners are typically responsible for irrigation and routine care; the city handles permits, species choice, structural pruning of city street trees, and replacement when necessary.
What trees can I choose from?
Rialto Public Works maintains an approved street tree list emphasizing drought-tolerant species compatible with MWELO. Contact Public Works for the current palette before purchasing.
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