Jacksonville Beach, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 34-745(g) governs trimming where landscaping meets driveways and corners. Trees and landscaping must comply with the corner visibility triangle requirements of § 34-720 in addition to the driveway rule in (g)(1). When a driveway or accessway intersects a public right-of-way, clear unobstructed cross visibility must be provided within the sight triangle. The triangle is measured from the point of intersection, ten (10) feet along the driveway and then ten (10) feet along the right-of-way, with the third side a line connecting the two (2) points.

The clear zone is vertical as well as horizontal. Cross visibility must be unobstructed between the height of two and one-half (2½) feet and eight (8) feet, measured from the top of the nearest curb or edge of the roadway, whichever is closer to the visibility triangle. Trees in that area must have their limbs and foliage trimmed so that no limb or foliage extends into the cross-visibility area.

Subsection (g)(2) lists what is allowed inside the triangle: only properly trimmed trees, ground cover type plants or dwarf plants that do not exceed twenty-four (24) inches in height, utility poles, street lights, and sign standards or supports. Signs are policed separately. Section 34-754(s) prohibits signs within a sight visibility triangle that obstruct a clear view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Public land has its own trimming rule in § 34-744(e)(1). Any person who intends to remove, prune or otherwise disturb a protected tree on a public easement or right-of-way must first obtain a permit from the Public Works Department, and all work must follow the National Arborist Association Pruning Standards for Shade Trees and the American National Standards for Tree Care Operations (ANSI #Z133.1). A protected tree is one with a DBH of six (6) inches or more. Section 34-744(g)(4) adds that no attachment, wires (other than protective guy wires), signs or permits can be fastened to a tree.