Anchorage, AK Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk clearance
- 8 feet minimum
- Roadway clearance
- 14 feet minimum
- Utility line clearance
- 9 feet
- Max fine
- $50/day if unset
- Corner sight triangle
- 35 feet from intersection
Summary
Anchorage requires abutting owners to keep trees trimmed to 8 feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above roadways, with 9 feet of utility-line clearance.
To trim his or her trees so as not to cause a hazard to the public or interfere with the proper public lighting or street lighting and so that the electrical, telephone or other utility line clearance or any portion thereof shall be nine feet. No flowers, shrubs or trees shall be allowed to overhang or prevent the free use of the sidewalk or roadway, or street maintenance activity, except that trees may extend over the sidewalk when kept trimmed to a height of eight feet above the sidewalk, and 14 feet above a roadway.
B. To treat or remove diseased trees or plants, and to treat or remove any tree or plant which creates a nuisance or is a hazard to any public place by reason of being diseased or insect ridden.
C. To remove any tree which has become dead or is in such condition as to be hazardous to the public.
D. Setbacks.
1. Street. On a corner lot, no trees shall be planted or maintained within a triangular area formed by the intersecting street lines and a straight line joining the street lines at points which are 35 feet distant from the point of intersection, measured along the lot lines of the corner lot.
2. Sidewalk. No tree may be planted on private property within two feet of any sidewalk or pavement. (CAC 10.48.040)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5010260; v11 updated 2026-09-01).
Full Breakdown
Under AMC 24.70.020, anyone growing a tree in the public right-of-way, or responsible for trees on property abutting a public place, must trim it so it isn't a hazard and doesn't block street lighting. Utility line clearance must be at least nine feet. Trees may overhang a sidewalk only if kept trimmed to eight feet above it, and 14 feet above a roadway: anything lower blocking the sidewalk or street maintenance is a violation. Corner-lot trees also can't sit inside the 35-foot sight-triangle setback from intersecting street lines.
Violations & Fines
Civil fine under AMC 14.60.030, or up to $50 if no other penalty is set, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense (AMC 24.70.080).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to trim trees overhanging an Anchorage sidewalk?
How low can branches hang over an Anchorage sidewalk before it's a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anchorage
Compare Anchorage to another location·View the Alaska landscaping rules overview
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