San Bernardino, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Tree maintenance on private property in San Bernardino is regulated by a combination of the San Bernardino Municipal Code right-of-way standards, the California Streets and Highways Code, and state wildfire defensible space law. Under typical municipal standards, property owners must trim trees and shrubs that overhang public sidewalks to maintain at least eight feet of vertical clearance for pedestrians, and overhangs above public streets must provide at least 14 feet of clearance for vehicles and emergency apparatus. Branches that obstruct stop signs, streetlights, traffic signals, sightlines at intersections, or ADA curb ramps must be pruned promptly upon notice from the city. Dead, diseased, or dangerous limbs overhanging neighboring property or the public right-of-way are a nuisance and the owner is liable for damage if they fall. In foothill Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, California PRC 4291 requires tree limbs to be trimmed at least six feet off the ground, tree canopies to be separated by at least 10 feet horizontally, and all limbs within 10 feet of a chimney outlet removed. Trees larger than a specified trunk diameter on private property may also be designated heritage or protected trees under the city landscape ordinance, and removal or major pruning requires a permit. Certified arborists are recommended for significant work, and utility clearance pruning near SCE power lines must follow the power line clearance rules in PRC 4293.