Highland, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Highland Municipal Code § 16.64.060 sets the street tree standard for new land divisions in the City of Highland. The planting of front yard trees is called desirable and is required as a condition of approval in all land divisions. The minimum number of trees per parcel frontage must be planted before final building inspection, based on the landscape development guidelines and specifications.

The code sets four planting standards. Trees must be chosen from the approved city of Highland street tree list for trees, shrubs, and groundcovers, with the choice reflecting the geographic zone involved. Trees must be selected, located, and maintained so that at 15 years of age the crown sits at a minimum height of 20 feet above any encroachment across property lines or into street road beds. Trees must be located a minimum of 10 feet from driveways. On corner lots, street trees are required on both street frontages, provided the planting does not interfere with sight distances and setbacks.

The community development director can allow exceptions in cul-de-sacs and on lots where proper spacing is not possible. The request must be made in writing to the director. The proposed location of every street tree is shown on the landscape plans, which go to the city engineer for comment and to the community development director for final approval.

Separate exemptions apply where a person shows one of five conditions: unsatisfactory soil, rock, grade or other topographical conditions that cannot readily be corrected; no satisfactory water supply; planting that would create conditions hazardous to traffic; a street planned to be widened within a reasonable period of time so trees cannot be set in the ultimate right-of-way; or trees already planted in substantially correct location. The community development director approves any exemption request, and the decision is made before any building or grading permit issues.

After planting, upkeep falls on the owner. Under § 16.64.040, maintenance of trees standing upon a public parkway or private property is the responsibility of the property owner, except that trees in the public right-of-way that the city engineer determines to be a public safety hazard are abated by the City.