San Diego requires property owners to trim trees that overhang sidewalks (minimum 8 ft clearance) and streets (minimum 14 ft) per SDMC. Topping trees is prohibited under California state law. City street trees may only be trimmed by the City or authorized contractors.
Property owners in San Diego are responsible for trimming trees on their property that overhang public sidewalks and streets. Minimum clearance is 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. Topping of trees (removing the top of the tree's main stem) is illegal under California statutes and results in structurally unsafe trees. City-owned street trees may only be trimmed by the City of San Diego or authorized contractors; unauthorized trimming of city trees is a violation. For private trees, no permit is generally required for routine trimming and pruning that does not remove more than 25% of the tree canopy. Trees protected under the city's tree regulations (including those within the Multiple Species Conservation Plan areas) have additional restrictions. When trimming results in significant changes to tree structure, consultation with a certified arborist is recommended.
Unauthorized trimming of City trees subject to citation and restitution. Topping trees may result in fines. Failure to maintain clearance over sidewalks/streets may result in a notice to comply.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle tree trimming.
See how San Diego's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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