Rancho Cordova, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk Clearance
- 8 feet
- Street Clearance
- 14 feet
- Street Trees
- City permit to prune
- Utility Lines
- SMUD per GO 95
- Neighbor Rule
- Civil Code 833
Summary
Rancho Cordova requires vertical clearance over streets and sidewalks, and street trees cannot be pruned without city approval. Private trees may be trimmed by the owner, but encroaching branches over public rights-of-way must be maintained to standard clearance heights.
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. The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure, based on regulations promulgated by the board, in consultation with the department, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by ember
Full Breakdown
Rancho Cordova Municipal Code requires property owners to maintain trees so that branches clear sidewalks by at least 8 feet and public streets by at least 14 feet. Trees classified as street trees, typically those in the public right-of-way or landscape strip between sidewalk and curb, are regulated by the city urban forestry program and may require a permit before significant pruning. ISA Certified Arborist standards (ANSI A300) are followed. SMUD, which provides electric service to Rancho Cordova, conducts line clearance pruning separately under PUC General Order 95. California Civil Code Section 833 gives neighbors the right to trim branches overhanging their property to the boundary line without damaging the tree.
Violations & Fines
Improper removal or severe topping of a street tree can result in restitution equal to the appraised value of the tree plus administrative penalties. Failure to maintain vertical clearance can prompt city abatement with cost recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim the city tree in front of my house?
Can I cut branches that hang into my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rancho Cordova
California rules heatmap·Compare Rancho Cordova to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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How other cities in Sacramento County handle tree trimming.