Modesto, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk Clearance
- 8 ft minimum
- Street Clearance
- 14 ft minimum
- City Trees
- City maintains: do not prune
- Utilities
- Coordinate with MID/PG&E
Summary
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.
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). ... This subparagraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vegetation that are well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a structure or from a structure to other nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a structure.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain tree clearance: code enforcement notice. Damaging city tree: fines and restitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim a city tree in front of my house?
How much clearance do I need over the sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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