Visalia, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Clearance over street or alley
- Minimum 14 feet
- Clearance over parkway and sidewalk
- Minimum 8 feet
- Maintenance responsibility
- Adjoining property owner
- Pruning standard
- ANSI A300
- New development requirement
- Developer must plant street trees per city guidelines
- Removal permit validity
- 30 days from issuance
Summary
Adjoining property owners in Visalia are responsible for watering and trimming street trees in the parkway strip in front of their property, and must keep branches at least 14 feet high over streets and alleys, and 8 feet high over parkways and sidewalks.
Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, property owners shall keep street trees adjoining their property and all private trees trimmed up to a height of not less than fourteen (14) feet over a street or alley, and up to a height of not less than eight (8) feet over the parkway and sidewalk.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-50: Municipal Code contains Supplement, current through Ordinance 2025-15, passed 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
The Public Works Director administers an authorized street tree species list, spacing guidelines, and planting specifications. In new residential, commercial, and industrial developments, the developer must plant street trees as required by the city's street tree guidelines, with long-term maintenance funded through a Homeowners Association or Landscape and Lighting Act District. All street tree pruning must comply with ANSI A300 standards. No street tree may be removed without a permit from the director, valid for 30 days.
Violations & Fines
If a property owner fails to correct a vegetation obstruction (e.g., low branches) within 30 days of written notice, the city will remove it and bill the owner for all costs. Unpermitted street tree removal is subject to general municipal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for trimming the tree between my sidewalk and the street?
Can I plant any tree I want in my parkway?
Do I need a permit to remove a street tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Visalia
California rules heatmap·Compare Visalia to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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