Alhambra, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Alhambra Municipal Code § 6.26.030(A)(3)(c)
- Penalty section
- § 6.26.040
- Nuisance trigger
- Vegetation obstructing streets, sidewalks, alleys
- Alternative penalty
- Administrative fine under Chapter 1.13
- Repeat offense
- Each day is a separate violation
- Cost recovery
- Treble abatement costs under § 6.26.230
Summary
Alhambra property owners must keep trees, hedges and other vegetation from overhanging or growing into any public street, sidewalk, alley or right-of-way in a way that obstructs people or vehicles. Overgrown or obstructing vegetation is declared a public nuisance under § 6.26.030 and is enforceable as a misdemeanor plus an administrative fine.
(c) Vegetation that overhangs or grows onto or into any public property, including, but not limited to, any public alley, highway, land, sidewalk, street or other right-of-way, so as to cause an obstruction to any person or vehicle using such public property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).
Full Breakdown
Alhambra's public nuisance ordinance directly addresses trees and hedges that grow into the public way. " The same landscaping-maintenance subsection also reaches overgrown lawns above six inches, hedges and trees not kept in a neat and healthy condition, vegetation that creates a fire hazard, and dead, decayed or hazardous trees that cause dust, erosion or a diminution in property values. 13, with each day the obstruction continues counted as a separate offense. 230. The chapter was adopted by Ordinance 4667, passed February 9, 2015.
Violations & Fines
Letting a tree, hedge or shrub overhang or obstruct a public street, sidewalk or alley is a public nuisance under § 6.26.030 and, per § 6.26.040, a misdemeanor punishable under the citywide general penalty at § 1.12.010, or an administrative fine under Chapter 1.13. Each day the obstruction continues is a separate offense, and if the owner does not correct it, the city can abate the nuisance itself and recover treble costs under § 6.26.230.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to trim my tree if it overhangs the sidewalk?
What happens if I ignore a nuisance notice about my tree?
Can the city fine me instead of prosecuting me for an overgrown tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alhambra
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