Corpus Christi, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

City Code Sec. 53-264 makes it unlawful and a nuisance to place or maintain any tree or shrub in the public right-of-way, or on private property adjacent to it, that interferes with street lighting or overhangs a sidewalk at less than 7 feet. 5 feet from each curbline, must clear 13 feet. On a through street, the entire width between curblines must be clear at 13 feet. Sec. 53-265 places the primary duty on the owner or occupant of the abutting premises to keep vegetation trimmed so it does not create this visual or passage obstruction, or any condition posing an unreasonable risk of injury or property damage to people using the sidewalk or street; that duty applies whether or not the city has sent a notice.

An owner who breaches the duty is primarily liable for any resulting loss or damage, and the city carries no liability for its own inspection, reinspection, or notice activity under the article. Enforcement runs through Sec. 53-266: the city manager can order the owner, by personal delivery, mailed letter, or (if service fails) publication and posting, to correct the condition within a stated time limit, with a right to appeal to the city manager within 7 calendar days and a decision due within 2 working days of that appeal.

If the owner does not comply, the city manager may remedy the condition directly and charge the cost to the owner as a lien on the property, second only to tax liens and street-improvement liens, bearing interest at 10 percent from the date the cost statement is prepared. Where an obstruction poses an immediate safety risk, the city manager may remove it without prior notice to the owner.