Turlock, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Street/alley clearance
- 16' to 20' minimum
- Sidewalk clearance
- 7' to 10' minimum
- Duty falls on
- Owner, agent, or tenant
- If not trimmed
- City trims, bills owner
Summary
Turlock Municipal Code § 10-2-05 makes owners and tenants trim overhanging trees to a 16'-20' clearance over a street or alley and a 7'-10' clearance over a sidewalk, or the City trims it and bills them.
It shall be the duty of every person having charge or control of any lot or premises, either as owner, agent, lessee, tenant, or otherwise, on which trees are growing which overhang any public street or alley, to trim such trees where they overhang such public street or alley, so there shall be a clearance of at least sixteen (16') feet, but not more than twenty (20') feet, between the lowest limb or foliage of such trees and the public street or alley, and to trim trees overhanging any public sidewalk to leave at least seven (7') feet but not more than ten (10') feet between the lowest limb or foliage and the public sidewalk.
(b) Trimming by City. Should any such person fail, neglect, or refuse to trim any such tree, the Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Director or designee shall have the power, and to initiate abatement proceedings under this Code and to cause such tree to be trimmed in accordance with the requirements of this section. The cost of such work shall be charged to, and become a valid claim against, the person having charge or control of the lot or premises, either as owner, agent, lessee, tenant, or otherwise, and shall be recoverable in any court of competent jurisdiction. (1161-CS, Amended, 12/13/2011; 1265-CS, Amended, 01/09/2020)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4937289; v6 updated 2026-06-25).
Full Breakdown
Under § 10-2-05(a), anyone with charge or control of a lot whose trees overhang a public street or alley must trim them to leave at least 16 feet, but not more than 20 feet, of clearance between the lowest limb and the roadway, and trees over a sidewalk must be trimmed to leave at least 7 feet but not more than 10 feet of clearance. If the responsible owner, agent, lessee, or tenant fails to trim, § 10-2-05(b) lets the Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Director start abatement and have the City do the work, charging the cost back as a valid, collectible claim against that person.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliance triggers City abatement: the Parks Director can have the tree trimmed and bill the responsible owner or tenant, recoverable in court as a valid claim; general Code violations are also infractions under § 1-2-01.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much clearance must my tree have over a Turlock sidewalk?
What happens if I don't trim my overhanging tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Turlock
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Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle tree trimming.