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Bellflower, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Trigger
Overhang causing obstruction
Covers
Alleys, sidewalks, streets, right-of-way
Roof-access rule
Branches within 5 ft of roof
Governing chapter
BMC Chapter 8.36

Summary

In the City of Bellflower, Los Angeles County, trees, hedges, or other vegetation that overhang or grow onto a public alley, sidewalk, street, or right-of-way and obstruct people or vehicles are a declared public nuisance owners must trim back.

Overgrown vegetation including, but not limited to, any one of the following:

a. Vegetation likely to harbor, or promote the presence of, rats, vermin and/or insects;

b. Vegetation causing or tending to cause detriment to neighboring properties, or that is out of conformity with neighboring community standards to such an extent as to result in, or contribute to, a diminution of property values, including, but not limited to:

i. Lawns with grass in excess of six inches,

ii. Hedges, trees, or other plant material that are not maintained in a neat, orderly, and healthy manner as a result of lack of adequate mowing, grooming, trimming, pruning, and/or watering;

c. Vegetation that creates, or promotes, the existence of a fire hazard;

d. 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;

e. Tree branches or other vegetation within five feet of the rooftop of a structure so as to facilitate rodent or animal access thereto.

12. Dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, weeds, ground cover, and other vegetation, or the absence of healthful vegetation, that causes, contributes to, or promotes, any one of the following conditions or consequences:

a. An attractive nuisance;

b. A fire hazard;

c. The creation or promotion of dust or soil erosion;

d.

Full Breakdown

Bellflower Municipal Code § 8.36.030 treats overgrown vegetation as a public nuisance, including vegetation that overhangs or grows onto or into any public property, alleys, highways, sidewalks, streets, or other rights-of-way, so as to cause an obstruction to pedestrians or vehicles. Separately, tree branches within five feet of a rooftop are flagged for enabling rodent or animal access. A Code Enforcement Officer can serve a written notice of abatement under § 8.36.060 requiring the responsible person to trim the growth back.

Violations & Fines

Uncorrected overhanging vegetation can draw a formal notice of abatement, administrative citations and fines under BMC Chapter 1.12, and City-performed trimming billed back to the property owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bellflower set an exact tree-clearance height over sidewalks?
No specific height is codified; § 8.36.030(A)(11)(d) instead bans overhanging vegetation that obstructs pedestrians or vehicles, judged case by case by Code Enforcement.
What if branches grow close to my roof?
BMC § 8.36.030(A)(11)(e) separately flags tree branches within five feet of a rooftop as a nuisance because they can give rodents or animals roof access.

Sources & Official References

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