Planting any tree in a Santa Clara County parkway, the strip between sidewalk and curb on county-maintained roads, requires an encroachment permit and approved species selection from the County Roads and Airports approved street tree list.
Under SCC Ordinance Code Title B Division B17, the County Roads and Airports Department holds jurisdiction over parkway plantings on county-maintained right-of-way. Property owners must obtain an encroachment permit before planting, replacing, or removing a parkway tree. The application requires a planting plan showing species, location relative to driveways and utilities, and root barrier specifications. Approved species come from a published street tree list emphasizing drought tolerance, low fruit drop, and compatibility with overhead utility lines. Prohibited species include Modesto ash, Italian stone pine, blue gum eucalyptus, and ornamental fruit trees that produce slip hazards. Maintenance, including watering for the establishment period, lies with the abutting property owner although the tree is technically county property.
Planting a parkway tree without a permit or selecting a prohibited species triggers an after-the-fact permit fee, possible removal at owner expense, and administrative penalties under Title B Division B17.
See how Santa Clara County's parkway planting rules stack up against other locations.
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