Tree Trimming: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do tree trimming rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino owners must keep trees trimmed for sidewalk and street clearance, and in foothill fire zones limbs must be at least six feet above ground and canopies 10 feet apart under PRC 4291.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Local code titles | Chino Municipal Code Title 11 and Title 12 | - |
| Sidewalk clearance | 8 feet vertical (typical Cal. standard) | Minimum 8 ft vertical clearance over sidewalks |
| 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 | - |
| Street clearance | - | Minimum 14 ft vertical clearance over public streets |
| VHFHSZ pruning | - | Limbs 6 ft off ground and 10 ft canopy separation under PRC 4291 |
| Chimney rule | - | No branches within 10 ft of a chimney outlet |
| Protected trees | - | Permit required to remove designated heritage trees |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I have to trim branches hanging over the sidewalk?
Yes. The owner must maintain at least 8 ft of clearance over sidewalks and 14 ft over the travel lane; the city can cite you if branches obstruct pedestrians or signs.
How high must I limb trees in the foothills?
California PRC 4291 requires the lowest limbs to be pruned 6 ft above the ground, canopies separated 10 ft apart, and no branches within 10 ft of chimneys.
Can I cut my neighbor tree branches that cross my property line?
California case law allows a neighbor to trim to the property line at their own cost, but you may not damage the tree health or enter neighbor property without consent.
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