Antioch, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- Antioch MC § 9-5.1210 (Tree Locations)
- Sidewalk setback
- At least 5 feet
- Branch clearance over sidewalk
- At least 7 feet
- Branch clearance over street
- At least 14 feet
- Removal permit threshold
- Established (10"+), Mature (26"+), or Landmark (48"+)
- Permit issuer
- Antioch Public Works / Tree Committee
Summary
Antioch Municipal Code § 9-5.1210 requires trees planted on private property to sit at least five feet from the sidewalk and to be trimmed so branches clear the sidewalk by seven feet and the street by fourteen feet. Removing or significantly pruning an established, mature, or landmark tree also requires a Tree Removal Permit issued by Public Works under AMC Article 12.
Trees planted on private property, outside of a city right-of-way, shall be at least five feet from the sidewalk. Branches from such trees shall be trimmed to clear the sidewalk by at least seven feet and to clear the street by at least 14 feet.
Full Breakdown
1212. 1210 controls where private trees may be planted and how high they must be kept trimmed: trees on private property outside the city right-of-way must be set back at least five feet from the sidewalk, with branches trimmed to clear the sidewalk by at least seven feet and the street travel lane by at least fourteen feet. 5 feet above grade; a 'Mature Tree' is at least twenty-six inches in diameter; and a 'Landmark Tree' is at least forty-eight inches in diameter or over forty feet tall.
1203, which weighs tree health, proximity to structures, and likelihood of damage to utilities. The article was first adopted as Ordinance 897-C-S in 1994 and amended by Ordinance 926-C-S in 1996.
Violations & Fines
Failure to trim to clearance, planting too close to the sidewalk, or removing a regulated tree without a permit is a municipal code violation enforceable by Code Enforcement. Penalties typically begin with a notice to abate; continued non-compliance can be charged as an infraction or misdemeanor under AMC Title 1, Chapter 2 (General Penalty), and may include replacement-tree requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim my own tree?
What is an 'Established Tree' in Antioch?
Where do I get a tree removal permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Antioch
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