Redlands, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk clearance
- 10 feet minimum
- Street clearance
- 12 feet minimum
- Truck thoroughfare clearance
- 16 feet minimum
- Notice to prune
- 10 days after certified mail notice
- Non-compliance remedy
- City prunes and bills owner
Summary
Redlands Municipal Code section 12.52.120 makes it a violation to let a tree, shrub or plant on private property obstruct streetlights, sidewalks, traffic signs or intersection sightlines, and requires ten feet of clearance over sidewalks and twelve feet over streets. Owners who miss a pruning notice can have the city do the work and bill them.
It shall be a violation of this chapter to allow any tree, shrub or plant located primarily on private property to create a hazard or to create danger or likelihood of harm to any public place, public area, parkway or street or to public health, safety or welfare. It shall be the duty of any person owning or occupying real property bordering on any street upon which property there may be trees, to prune such trees in such manner that they will not obstruct or shade the streetlights, obstruct the passage of pedestrians on sidewalks, obstruct vision of traffic signs, or obstruct the view of any street or alley intersection. The minimum clearance of any overhanging portion thereof shall be ten feet (10') over sidewalks and twelve feet (12') over all streets except truck thoroughfares, which shall have a clearance of sixteen feet (16').
Full Breakdown
52, Trees and Tree Protection Along Streets and In Public Places, places the duty to keep street-adjacent trees pruned squarely on the property owner. 120 requires any person owning or occupying property bordering a street to prune trees so they do not obstruct or shade streetlights, block pedestrian passage on sidewalks, obscure traffic signs, or obstruct the view at a street or alley intersection. The section sets specific minimum overhead clearances: ten feet (10') over sidewalks, twelve feet (12') over ordinary streets, and sixteen feet (16') over truck thoroughfares.
If an owner fails to prune as required, the city's superintendent may issue a written notice by certified mail ordering the owner to prune within ten days of receipt. If the owner still fails to comply, the city is authorized to prune the tree itself and assess the exact cost of the work to the property owner, recoverable as provided by law. 130. 120 covering accumulated trimmings and cut branches as fire and pest hazards.
Violations & Fines
Blocking a sidewalk, streetlight or traffic sign with an unpruned tree violates chapter 12.52. The superintendent must give the owner written notice by certified mail and ten days to prune before the city can act. If the owner still does not comply, the city prunes the tree itself and assesses the full cost of the work to the property owner as a debt collectible by law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much clearance does my tree need over the sidewalk?
What happens if I don't prune after getting a notice?
Does this cover branches I've already cut and left in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redlands
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