San Benito County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Overhang limit
- 3 feet into right-of-way
- Exception
- Road Department plantings
- Scope
- County roads, unincorporated area
- Source
- Ord. 184 (1966 Code § 14-5)
Summary
Trees and shrubs planted near an unincorporated San Benito County road can't be allowed to overhang the right-of-way more than three feet at full growth, unless the Road Department planted or approved them.
No tree or shrub of any kind may be planted on or adjacent to any county road in such a manner that when reaching full development the outermost limbs of such tree or shrub shall overhang the right-of-way in excess of three feet except trees and shrubs planted by, or with permission of, the Road Department for landscaping or erosion control.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
San Benito County Code § 19.27.006 bars planting any tree or shrub on or adjacent to a county road in unincorporated San Benito County if, at full development, its outermost limbs would overhang the right-of-way by more than three feet. The exception covers trees and shrubs the county's own Road Department plants or approves for landscaping or erosion control. The rule targets planting decisions rather than one-time trimming maintenance, so property owners with mature overhanging trees should confirm with the Road Department whether cutback is expected. It applies to county roads only; Hollister and San Juan Bautista maintain their own street-tree rules.
Violations & Fines
Planting or maintaining trees or shrubs that overhang a county road beyond the three-foot limit violates § 19.27.006 and can be enforced by the county Road Department as a right-of-way obstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can my tree's branches extend over a county road?
Does the county trim overhanging branches for me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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