Hedges in Richmond are treated as fences for height purposes: 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side/rear yards. Hedges within the corner vision triangle are limited to 3 feet. Hedges must be maintained trimmed; overgrown vegetation can trigger nuisance abatement under RMC Chapter 9.22.
Richmond applies the same height rules to hedges and dense vegetation barriers as it does to constructed fences under RMC Title 15. Hedges in the front yard setback cannot exceed 4 feet in height; side and rear yard hedges are limited to 6 feet; corner vision triangles (15 feet from intersections) require hedges under 3 feet. Unlike fences, hedges have no formal permit process, but enforcement is complaint-driven and Code Enforcement can require trimming. Overgrown hedges and vegetation that spread into sidewalks, obstruct streetlights, block traffic signs, or encroach over property lines can be abated under RMC Chapter 9.22 (Weed Abatement) and CA Health & Safety Code §14875. Residents have a statutory right under California common law to trim overhanging branches and encroaching roots of a neighbor's tree or hedge back to the property line, provided the trimming does not kill the plant. Protected trees (oaks, heritage species) in Richmond may require a tree removal permit before pruning above 25% of canopy.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Richmond, CA
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Richmond, CA
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Richmond, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle neighbor fence rules.
See how Richmond's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
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