Clovis, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk Clearance
- 8 ft minimum
- Street Clearance
- 14 ft minimum
- Street Trees
- City-maintained
- Neighbor Branches
- Trim to line only
- Damage Risk
- Treble per §3346
Summary
Street trees trimmed by city; property owner trims private trees. Trees overhanging sidewalks/streets must clear 8 ft pedestrian, 14 ft vehicle. Neighbor may trim encroaching branches to property line.
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire would be unlikely to ignite the structure. This subparagraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vegetation that are well-pruned
Full Breakdown
Clovis Municipal Code requires property owners to maintain clearance over public rights-of-way: 8 feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above streets. Street trees in the parkway strip are generally city-maintained (Public Utilities Department urban forestry), but abutting property owners may be responsible for watering. Private trees are owner-maintained. CA common law (Booska v. Patel) allows neighbors to trim branches encroaching over their property up to the property line, but cannot harm tree health or enter neighbor's property without permission.
Violations & Fines
Failure to trim after notice: city abates, bills owner. Trimming neighbor's tree across property line without permission: civil liability for damages, possibly treble damages under CA Civil Code §3346.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim my neighbor's tree branches hanging over my fence?
Who trims street trees in Clovis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clovis
California rules heatmap·Compare Clovis to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle tree trimming.