San Bernardino, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- SBMC Ch. 12.40, Street Trees
- Variety-change petition
- 75% of block frontage owners
- Cutting/removal permit
- Required, Council-set fee
- Tree removal notice
- 60 days (30 for palms)
- Sight-triangle height cap
- 2.5 ft above curb
- Driveway growth cap
- 2 ft within 6 ft of driveway
- Penalty
- Infraction under § 1.12.010
Summary
San Bernardino Municipal Code Chapter 12.40 puts every parkway, median and public right-of-way tree under the city's street tree master plan. Planting outside that plan is unlawful, cutting or removing a public tree needs a paid Director of Public Services permit, and abutting property owners must water and maintain whatever grows in the parkway fronting their lot.
All streets, sidewalks, parkways, lanes, alleys, parks and other public places in the city now open or dedicated, or which may be hereafter opened or dedicated to public use, may be planted with trees, palms, shrubs, bushes, plants and flowers as specifically provided in the street tree master plan on file in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. ... It is unlawful for anyone to plant trees, shrubs or bushes upon the streets, sidewalks, parkways, lanes, alleys, parks and other public places to which the master plan is applicable, except in conformity with the master plan.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
030 makes it unlawful to plant trees, shrubs or bushes in those areas except in conformity with that plan. 040 if at least 75% of the property owners fronting one full block sign on; the Director of Public Services grants the request after consulting Parks, Recreation and Community Services if the replacement variety will not break sidewalks or curbs. 090 requires 18 hours' notice before work begins so a field inspection can be scheduled. 100 requires 60 days' notice (30 days for palms) unless the tree is hazardous, and the requesting party pays removal, boxing and replanting costs.
5 feet above the curb and caps hedges or shrubs within six feet of a driveway at 2 feet, subject to Director of Development Services override for sight restrictions.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Chapter 12.40, including unauthorized planting, unpermitted cutting or removal, or exceeding the height limits near sight triangles and driveways, is an infraction punishable under § 1.12.010. Excess growth or damaged parkway trees are separately declared a public nuisance under § 12.40.130, abatable by the Director of Development Services with costs assessed to the property owner under Chapter 8.30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in the parkway in front of my San Bernardino home?
Do I need a permit to trim or remove a parkway tree?
How much notice does the city give before removing a parkway tree?
How tall can hedges near my driveway or corner lot grow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle parkway planting.