Riverside, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Riverside maintains an urban forest of more than 100,000 trees under the authority of the City Arborist within Parks, Recreation and Community Services. RMC Chapter 16.40 (Street Trees) prohibits any cutting, trimming, topping, or removal of a tree within a public street, park, or parkway without first obtaining a permit or written authorization from the City Arborist. Topping — indiscriminate heading cuts that destroy the natural structure — is prohibited on City trees. Property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalk clearance (usually eight feet over walkways and 14 feet over streets) on parkway trees fronting their property, but pruning cuts larger than two inches in diameter generally require the Arborist's approval. The City publishes an approved street-tree list (dominated by drought-tolerant species such as crape myrtle, Chinese pistache, and certain oaks) and does not allow planting of prohibited species (e.g., Modesto ash, mulberry, eucalyptus near utility lines). Heritage trees identified on private property — including mature native oaks and citrus trees of historic significance — may require City review before removal or major pruning. Private residential trees outside the right-of-way can generally be pruned without a permit, but homeowners should time pruning outside the nesting season (roughly February through August) to comply with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code section 3503. Utility clearance around overhead power lines is performed by Riverside Public Utilities; residents should call RPU rather than prune near live lines.