Property owners in Galt are responsible for trimming trees on their property so branches do not obstruct streets, sidewalks, or streetlights. Street trees in the public right-of-way are maintained under City direction, and utility line clearance is handled by SMUD and PG&E.
Galt Municipal Code requires owners to keep trees pruned so branches provide clear vertical clearance over public sidewalks, typically 8 feet, and over streets, typically 14 feet, and do not obscure stop signs, streetlights, or traffic signals. Failure to maintain clearance can result in a Public Works or Code Enforcement notice to trim. The City generally owns or has right-of-way interest in trees planted in the park strip between curb and sidewalk; homeowners should contact Public Works before pruning street trees beyond minor shaping. For utility lines, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) crews perform line clearance on their schedules under Public Resources Code Section 4292 and General Order 95 of the California Public Utilities Commission. Residents should never prune within 10 feet of an energized line and must call the utility for assistance. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees that threaten neighbors or the right-of-way must be corrected by the owner promptly.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle tree trimming.
See how Galt's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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