Lancaster, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

20 defines "parkway" as all areas between the curb and the sidewalk in front of or alongside a residential lot, and a "street tree" as any tree in that parkway on public or private land, within a public easement, or in a private front or side yard. 020 states that state law requires each property owner to maintain the street trees abutting their property, including watering them and keeping the parkway free of weeds or other hazards, and it separately makes it unlawful for an owner to let a street tree fall into a "dangerous condition," to let its roots lift or damage a sidewalk, curb, street or utility line, or to let the tree or its debris endanger people, property or vehicles in the right-of-way or on adjacent land.

030 requires owners to keep the minimum overhanging clearance at ten feet above sidewalks and thirteen and a half feet above streets, and trees cannot obstruct streetlights, sidewalks, traffic signs or intersection sight lines; no permit is needed to trim a tree to correct a hazard or clearance violation. 050. 100 of the subdivision improvement ordinance, street trees must be planted along the frontage of every lot in a new urban residential, commercial or industrial subdivision before occupancy is granted, with the number, species and placement set by the city engineer, a requirement that can be waived if sufficient trees already exist in an adjoining landscaped setback.