Huntington Beach Tree Trimming Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Huntington Beach Municipal Code Chapter 12.56 establishes the regulatory framework for trees and shrubs within the city, with particular emphasis on the protection and management of street trees in the public right-of-way. As a coastal Orange County city with a significant urban tree canopy — including mature sycamores, ficus, coral trees, and various palm species along major thoroughfares — the city takes an active role in canopy management through its Public Works Department.

Street trees planted in the public right-of-way (parkways, medians, and sidewalk planter strips) are city property managed by the Public Works Department. Residents are prohibited from trimming, pruning, removing, or otherwise altering any street tree without prior written authorization from the city. Unauthorized trimming, topping, or removal of a street tree is a code violation subject to citation and may require the responsible party to pay for replacement at the city's appraised value, which can be several thousand dollars for mature specimens. The city maintains a street tree trimming program on a rotating cycle, typically visiting each neighborhood every three to five years for canopy maintenance. Residents may request expedited trimming by contacting Public Works if a street tree poses a safety hazard, obstructs visibility, or is causing infrastructure damage.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining all trees on their private property. This includes ensuring that branches do not encroach over public sidewalks below 8 feet of vertical clearance, do not overhang public roadways below 14 feet, and do not obstruct traffic sight lines at intersections or driveway approaches. Failure to maintain adequate clearance may result in a notice of violation from the Code Enforcement Division, and the city reserves the right to trim encroaching branches at the owner's expense if the owner fails to act within the correction period.

Removal of significant mature trees on private property may be subject to review under the city's Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance landscape provisions, particularly for parcels located within the coastal zone overlay where the California Coastal Act imposes additional environmental protections. The city encourages property owners to consult with the Community Development Department before removing large or potentially protected trees. Heritage trees, specimen palms, and trees designated in an approved landscape plan may carry additional replacement obligations.

Emergency removal of a hazardous street tree — for example, a tree damaged by storm, disease, or vehicle collision — may be authorized by the Public Works Director or designee without the standard review process when the tree poses an imminent threat to persons or property. The city contracts with licensed arborists for emergency response and routine street tree maintenance. Residents should contact the Public Works Department at (714) 536-5431 for all street tree concerns.