San Bernardino County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Required tree clearance
- 8 ft above adjoining curb
- Sight triangle at roadways
- 30 ft from intersection
- Sight triangle at driveways
- 10 ft from intersection
- Non-tree obstruction cap
- 30 inches above curb
- Applies only in
- unincorporated County area
Summary
Trees inside a clear sight triangle at any intersection or driveway must be trimmed to eight feet above the adjoining curb, exempting them from the county's 30-inch obstruction limit that otherwise applies to fences, signs, and shrubs.
Adequate visibility for vehicular and pedestrian traffic shall be provided at clear sight triangles at all 90 degree angle intersections of public rights-of-way and private driveways.
(1) Prohibited. The following shall be prohibited within a clear sight triangle:
(A) Monument signs.
(B) Hedges or shrubbery.
(2) Maximum Height Requirements. The following shall not be erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow over 30 inches in height above the nearest street curb elevation within a clear sight triangle:
(A) Fences and walls.
(B) Signs.
(C) Structures.
(D) Mounds of earth.
(E) Other visual obstructions.
(3) Exceptions. The requirements for clear sight triangles shall not apply to:
(A) Traffic safety devices.
(B) Trees trimmed to eight feet above the adjoining curb.
(C) Utility poles.
(D) Other government or utility installed/maintained devices allowed by this Development Code.
(E) Freestanding sign when the lower edge of the sign face is at least eight feet above grade and when there are no more than two posts or columns, each with a maximum width or diameter of 12 inches, supporting the sign.
(b) Dimensions and Location. Clear sight triangles are right triangles that shall be measured as follows:
(1) The 90-degree angle is formed by the intersection of either:
Full Breakdown
San Bernardino County's Development Code requires an unobstructed clear sight triangle at every 90-degree intersection of a public right-of-way and a private driveway or alley: measured 30 feet along roadway intersections and 10 feet along driveways or alleys. Fences, walls, signs, structures, and mounds of earth inside that triangle can't exceed 30 inches above the curb, and hedges or shrubbery are barred outright. Trees get a different rule: instead of being banned, a tree in the triangle is exempt from the height cap only if it is trimmed to eight feet above the adjoining curb, so canopy hanging lower than that must come off.
Violations & Fines
A Development Code violation is a misdemeanor countywide: a base fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in County jail, or both, under Code Section 11.0206.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim a tree in the sight triangle?
Can I just leave a low hedge or shrub there instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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