Property owners may trim and maintain City street trees adjacent to their property without a permit, provided the maintenance does not effectively remove the tree. Landscaping in traffic sight areas must not exceed 30 inches in height. Property owners are responsible for trees in planting strips and utility easements.
Under SMC Chapter 12.64, property owners may trim, prune, and maintain a City street tree adjacent to their property without a permit, as long as the maintenance does not result in effective removal of the tree. It is unlawful to plant, remove, replace, or relocate any street tree without a permit from the Community Development Director. Property owners are responsible for the landscaping, removal, cutting, trimming, pruning, and general maintenance of any tree (except street trees) in planting strips and public utility easements adjacent to the street right-of-way. Landscaping over 30 inches in height is not allowed within traffic sight areas at intersections.
Unauthorized removal of street tree: violation of SMC Ch. 12.64 with fines. Heritage oak removal without permit: fines and 3-for-1 replacement requirement.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Joaquin County.
See how other cities in San Joaquin County handle tree trimming.
See how Stockton's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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