Tacoma, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk clearance
- 8 feet minimum above grade
- Street clearance
- 14 feet minimum above grade
- Classified as
- public nuisance under TMC 8.30
- Who must trim
- abutting/responsible property owner
- Max penalty
- up to $10,000 per day
Summary
Tacoma requires tree branches to clear at least 8 feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above streets. Vegetation that doesn't meet these heights is a public nuisance the abutting property owner must trim back.
All vegetation, including trees, shrubs, grass, other plants, or any parts thereof, located on real property abutting the public right-of-way and located within the right-of-way that meet any one or more of the following conditions, shall constitute a public nuisance: Vegetation overhanging any sidewalk at less than eight (8) feet above grade or street at less than fourteen (14) feet above grade, or that is otherwise situated, in such manner as to, limit, obstruct or impair the free and full use of the sidewalk or street;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
TMC § 9.20.340 makes overhanging vegetation a public nuisance when it blocks the sidewalk below 8 feet or the street below 14 feet, when it obscures a driver's sightline at an intersection or traffic control device, when it interferes with utility lines and infrastructure, or when it creates a fire hazard. The rule covers trees and other vegetation on private property that abut or hang into the public right-of-way. The responsible property owner must abate the nuisance under this chapter and TMC Chapter 8.30 (Public Nuisances) and the City's Right-of-Way Design Manual.
Violations & Fines
Allowing the nuisance to persist is unlawful under TMC § 9.20.340B. Chapter 9.20 violations are enforced under the Uniform Enforcement Code (TMC 1.82), with penalties up to $10,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must tree branches be over a Tacoma sidewalk?
Who has to trim overhanging branches in Tacoma?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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