Hanford, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Pedestrian clearance
- Min. 8 ft from sidewalk top
- Vehicular clearance
- Min. 14 ft from pavement top
- Trimming permit needed
- Per § 12.12.210
- Right-of-way work
- Needs encroachment permit
Summary
Hanford property owners must trim street trees to keep at least eight feet of vertical clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over the roadway, per Municipal Code § 12.12.300.
Provide a minimum of eight foot vertical pedestrian clearance from the top of the sidewalk and a minimum 14 foot vertical vehicular clearance from the top of pavement, to any part of a street tree; provided however, each street tree shall be trimmed so that the vertical clearance around the entire tree is uniform and consistent;
3. Provide adequate clearance for unobstructed pedestrian and vehicular view of all traffic signals, street lights, regulatory signs, street name signs, and other similar types of equipment and signs;
4. All maintenance shall be completed in accordance with the guidelines of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI);
5. Obtain a permit as required in Section 12.12.210; and 6. Obtain an encroachment permit from the city's public works department for any work that the property owner or his or her contractor will perform within a public right-of-way or if any vehicle or equipment will operate or be parked in any public right-of-way as a result of any work pertaining to a tree, shrub, hedge, or other plant for which the property owner is responsible.
D.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873707; v4 updated 2026-03-17).
Full Breakdown
Under Hanford Municipal Code § 12.12.300, the owner of property abutting a park strip must maintain any street tree so it provides a minimum eight-foot vertical pedestrian clearance measured from the top of the sidewalk and a minimum 14-foot vertical vehicular clearance measured from the top of the pavement. Each tree must be trimmed so the clearance is uniform and consistent around its entire canopy, and the owner must also keep sightlines to traffic signals, streetlights, and street signs unobstructed. A trimming permit under § 12.12.210, and an encroachment permit for right-of-way work, are both required.
Violations & Fines
Failing to maintain required clearance is a maintenance violation that triggers a director's notice of violation, and the owner is liable for any resulting injury or property damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much clearance must a Hanford street tree have over the sidewalk?
What about clearance over the street itself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hanford
California rules heatmap·Compare Hanford to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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