Modesto requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not obstruct sidewalks (8 ft clearance), streets (14 ft clearance), or block sight lines at intersections. City-maintained street trees may only be trimmed by city crews or approved contractors.
Property owners in Modesto are responsible for maintaining trees on their property so branches do not encroach over sidewalks below 8 feet or streets below 14 feet. Trees must not obstruct street signs, traffic signals, or sight lines at intersections. City-owned street trees in the public right-of-way are maintained by the City of Modesto Parks, Recreation & Neighborhoods Department. Residents may not prune, remove, or damage city street trees without authorization. Tree trimming in overhead utility line areas should be coordinated with the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) or PG&E. Large tree removal on private property may require review if the tree is in a planned development area.
Failure to maintain tree clearance: code enforcement notice. Damaging city tree: fines and restitution.
Modesto, CA
Modesto's noise ordinance (MMC Title 4, Ch. 9) bans 'loud and raucous noise' citywide, including from industrial operations. Certain continuous industrial ac...
Modesto, CA
Modesto enforces a 72-hour street-parking limit citywide under MMC Title 3, Chapter 2, Article 10. Designated residential areas also operate Residential Park...
Modesto, CA
Modesto Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 4 permits backyard hens in R-1 residential zones. Up to 12 hens are allowed; roosters are prohibited. Coop placement ...
Modesto, CA
Modesto has one of the lowest pet limits in California, allowing a maximum of two dogs or cats per household under MMC Title 5, Chapter 4. Animal hoarding is...
Modesto, CA
Modesto sits on the Central Valley floor outside CAL FIRE's State Responsibility Area and is not mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so the wild...
Modesto, CA
Modesto does not regulate year-round residential lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) by size, quantity, or content....
See how Modesto's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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