San Ramon, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Nuisance trigger
- Branches blocking sidewalk/street/signs
- Governing section
- SRMC § B6-131(E)(11), (E)(12)(c)
- Owner correction window
- 30 to 90 days from notice
- Hearing request deadline
- 10 days from notice
- Citation fine due
- Within 30 days
- Repeat violation penalty
- Treble abatement costs
Summary
San Ramon declares it a public nuisance to let a tree's branches restrict access to a sidewalk or street, block traffic signs or lights, or overhang and obstruct a sidewalk, street, driveway or alley. Section B6-131 puts the duty to trim on the property owner, enforced through the city's nuisance abatement chapter.
11. Allowing growth of a tree or vegetation in such a manner that the branches of the tree or growth of the vegetation restrict or impede access to or public use of adjacent sidewalks or streets; obstruct traffic control signs and devices; obstruct street lights; obstruct visibility of traffic using the public street; or prevent access by city street sweepers. 12. Trees, weeds or other vegetation, which by reason of being overgrown, dead, decayed or diseased are: ... c. Overhanging, blocking or obstructing a sidewalk, street, driveway or alley.
Full Breakdown
Section B6-131(E)(11) declares it a nuisance to allow growth of a tree or vegetation so that its branches restrict or impede access to or public use of adjacent sidewalks or streets, obstruct traffic control signs and devices, obstruct street lights, obstruct visibility of traffic on the public street, or prevent access by city street sweepers. Subsection (E)(12)(c) separately reaches overgrown, dead, decayed or diseased trees and vegetation that are overhanging, blocking or obstructing a sidewalk, street, driveway or alley. Section B6-131(D) puts primary responsibility on the property owner to keep the property free of the condition.
Enforcement follows the chapter's administrative process: Section B6-145 requires the city manager to serve a written notice of violation describing the condition and code section violated, giving the owner at least 30 and up to 90 days to voluntarily correct it (extendable to 120 days for good cause), and the owner has 10 days from service to request an administrative hearing to show cause before the condition is abated. Section B6-143 authorizes an administrative citation with the fine amount set by the city's fee resolution, due within 30 days of issuance.
If a second or subsequent civil or criminal judgment is entered against the same owner for an abatable condition within a two-year period, Section B6-169 lets a court order the owner to pay treble the abatement costs, and Section B6-170 allows the prevailing party in an abatement action to recover attorneys' fees.
Violations & Fines
Failing to trim overhanging or view-obstructing growth after notice exposes the owner to an administrative citation under Section B6-143, with the fine set by council fee resolution and due within 30 days, plus nuisance abatement costs assessed against the property under Section B6-161 et seq. A repeat violation within two years can draw treble abatement costs under Section B6-169.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does an overhanging tree become a code violation in San Ramon?
How much time do I get to trim my tree after a violation notice?
What fine can San Ramon issue for an untrimmed tree blocking a sidewalk?
Does the penalty increase for a repeat offense?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Ramon
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How other cities in Contra Costa County handle tree trimming.