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

Section 8.12.120 states plainly: 'Any owner or occupant of a building lot or premises shall keep all sidewalk trees and hedges properly trimmed in such a manner that the same shall not interfere with the free use of sidewalks.' The duty sits inside Chapter 8.12, Miscellaneous Public Offenses, alongside the separate ban on placing any obstruction on a sidewalk (§ 8.12.110). Enforcement runs through the weed-and-refuse abatement procedure in Chapter 9.12: when an owner or occupant fails to trim sidewalk trees or hedges as Section 8.12.120 requires, the superintendent of streets must give written notice describing the work needed, either by mail to the owner if known, to the occupant, or by posting the notice conspicuously on the property if neither can be found (§ 9.12.050).

The notice must warn that unless the trimming is done within ten days of service or posting, the superintendent of streets will do the work directly and charge the cost, plus expenses, as a lien against the property. The superintendent keeps a record of every notice issued and of the work performed on each parcel. Once city crews complete the trimming, the superintendent renders a statement of the cost to the city assessor, who enters the amount on the assessment roll against the property; that charge is then collected at the same time and in the same manner as other city property taxes (§ 9.12.060).

Because sidewalk trees typically sit within the public right-of-way, an owner who wants to trim the tree personally, rather than let the city do it and bill for it, should also check Chapter 11.12, which requires a separate public works permit before cutting or pruning any tree growing in, upon or along a public street or sidewalk (§ 11.12.050).