Tree Trimming: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do tree trimming rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto Public Works owns and maintains street trees in the right-of-way under Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks). A permit is required before any pruning, removal, or planting of a street/parkway tree. Private-property trees must be kept clear of sidewalks (8 ft) and streets (14 ft) and may not block sight triangles.
View full Rialto 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 | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Street Tree Permit | Required - Public Works | - |
| Sidewalk Clearance | ~8 ft vertical | - |
| Street Clearance | ~14 ft vertical | - |
| Utility Lines | PUC §8261 clearance | - |
| Sidewalk clearance | - | Minimum 8 ft vertical clearance over sidewalks |
| 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.
Rialto FAQ
Can I trim the tree in the parkway in front of my house?
No - parkway trees are City property under Title 12. Contact Rialto Public Works for a permit or maintenance request before any pruning or removal.
My neighbor's tree branches hang over my yard. Can I cut them?
Under California common law (Bonde v. Bishop), you may prune branches back to the property line at your own expense, but you cannot enter the neighbor's property or damage the tree's health.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Rialto and San Bernardino compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool