Arcadia, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 7220 of the Arcadia Municipal Code puts the duty on every person owning, leasing, occupying, or having charge or control of a lot or premises. That person must keep any tree, bush, shrub or vegetation growing on the property next to a street, parkway or sidewalk trimmed so that its limbs, twigs, leaves or other parts do not interfere with or obstruct the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles. The duty is written to reach owners, lessees, occupants and anyone in charge or control of the premises, not only the title holder.

Section 7220.1 turns that standard into a measurable one. Trees or bushes greater than 15 feet in height growing in or upon any premises, parkway or sidewalk are deemed to obstruct free passage unless the lower limbs, twigs or leaves are kept removed at all times so as to leave a clearance of 8 feet above the surface of the street, parkway or sidewalk. The code says at all times, so the clearance is a standing obligation and not something to fix only after a complaint.

Corner lots carry a separate rule in Section 7221. Any bush, shrub or vegetation, other than trees, growing within 25 feet of a street intersection cannot exceed a height of 3 feet.

Trimming your own tree is a different matter from touching a street tree. Section 7222 bars any person from planting, removing, destroying, cutting, defacing or injuring any tree or shrub in a public street, alley, park or other public place without first applying for and receiving a written permit under Chapter 8 of Article IX of the Code. Section 7223 also prohibits attaching any advertisement, notice or card to a tree or shrub in a public place. Work on public trees is inspected, and Section 7224 requires an inspection fee in the amount set by resolution of the City Council.