Newport Beach, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Newport Beach Municipal Code requires property owners to maintain trees on their property to prevent encroachment into public rights-of-way. Trees overhanging public sidewalks must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet above the sidewalk. Trees overhanging public streets must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 14 feet above the roadway. Property owners are responsible for trimming their private trees to maintain these clearances and to prevent interference with street lights, traffic signs, and utility lines. The city's Municipal Operations Department maintains trees on public property including street trees and parkway trees. Residents must not trim, prune, or remove city-owned trees without permission from the city. The city contracts professional arborists for public tree maintenance on a regular cycle. Dead, diseased, or hazardous private trees that pose a risk to public safety may be subject to code enforcement action requiring the property owner to address the condition. Palm fronds and dead branches that could fall onto public areas must be removed promptly.