Santa Clara County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Removal deadline
- 5 days after written notice
- Low-limb threshold
- Under 10 feet over street
- Sight triangle
- 40 feet from curb intersection
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Santa Clara County only
Summary
Trees, hedges, and shrubs that block sightlines or block sidewalk and street passage in unincorporated Santa Clara County are a declared public nuisance owners must remove.
The existence upon the right-of-way or sidewalk of any public street, or upon any premises abutting thereon, of trees, shrubs, weeds or hedges which in any manner interfere with the unobstructed view from vehicles of safety signals and approaching traffic is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and prohibited as unlawful.
(Ord. No. NS-703.9, 5-18-04)
Sec. B17-69. - List of obstructions. The following shall be a nonexclusive list of obstructions which under this article are deemed to obstruct the view from vehicles traveling on public streets and the passage of pedestrians on the sidewalks and of vehicles on the rights-of-way abutting thereon:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
County law declares it a public nuisance for trees, shrubs, weeds, or hedges on a right-of-way, sidewalk, or abutting premises in unincorporated Santa Clara County to interfere with the view of safety signals or approaching traffic. Listed obstructions include tree limbs hanging lower than ten feet over a street or sidewalk, and hedges, shrubs, or fences taller than three feet within the 40-foot sight triangle at a street intersection. After the Director gives written notice, the owner, tenant, or person in control of the property has five days to remove the obstruction or face enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Failing to remove a cited obstruction within five days of the Director's written notice is unlawful under Sec. B17-70.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a hedge be near a corner in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
What happens if I don't trim an obstructing tree after notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
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