Phoenix, AZ Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Phoenix City Code sec. 23-32; sec. 31-13
- Standard notice
- 7 days before City abatement
- Safety notice
- 24 hours where vehicle safety is involved
- Cost recovery
- Twice the trimming/removal cost; lien if unpaid
Summary
Phoenix City Code Sec. 23-32 makes it unlawful to let trees, shrubs or bushes growing on your property interfere with traffic signs, pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles, or drainage in any public right-of-way, and Sec. 31-13 limits obstructions in the sight-visibility triangle at residential intersections.
Sec. 23-32. ENCROACHMENT OF TREES, SHRUBS OR BUSHES PROHIBITED. It is unlawful for any person to allow trees, shrubs or bushes growing on their property to interfere with traffic signs or signals, or with the passage of pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles, or flow of drainage water on any public right-of-way or easement. Where such interferences are with a traffic sign or signal, or the passage of pedestrians, bicyclists, or flow of draining water, the City is authorized after giving the owner seven (7) days notice, to take reasonable action to make sure that any encroachment is brought into full compliance. Where the interference involves the safe operation of motor vehicles, the City is authorized, after giving 24 hours notice, to go upon the property and take any action necessary to effect full compliance with the provisions of this ordinance. A fee totaling twice the costs for the removal or trimming of trees, shrubs or bushes will be charged to the property owner, and if not paid, will become a lien against the property.
Full Breakdown
Under City Code Sec. 23-32 (Encroachment of trees, shrubs or bushes prohibited), property owners must keep vegetation from encroaching on public right-of-way or easements. If a tree, shrub or bush interferes with a traffic sign/signal, pedestrians, bicyclists, or drainage, the City may give the owner seven (7) days' notice and then take reasonable action to bring it into compliance; where the interference affects the safe operation of motor vehicles, the City may act after only 24 hours' notice. The City charges the owner twice the cost of the removal or trimming, which becomes a lien if unpaid. At residential intersections, Sec. 31-13 prohibits any fence, wall, or hedge higher than three feet, and any obstruction other than a single post, column, or tree no more than one foot in diameter, between heights of three and ten feet inside the sight-visibility triangle.
Violations & Fines
City may abate the encroachment after 7 days' notice (24 hours where motor-vehicle safety is involved) and charge the owner a fee of twice the cost of removal or trimming; unpaid fees become a lien against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to trim my tree where it overhangs the sidewalk?
What can the City do if I ignore an encroaching tree?
How tall can a hedge be near a street corner?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
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