Westminster, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Tree-to-tree spacing
- 20 feet minimum
- Utility/driveway spacing
- 10 feet minimum
- Minimum parkway width for trees
- 36 inches, sidewalk to curb
- Owner duty
- Water, fertilize, maintain parkway turf
- Artificial turf permit term
- 10 years, renewable
Summary
Westminster's director of public works controls what goes into a street parkway: no tree may sit closer than twenty feet to another tree, utility pole, or light standard, closer than ten feet to a sewer lateral or driveway, or in any parkway narrower than thirty-six inches without written consent. Property owners keep the turf watered and neat.
The director shall plant, or cause to be planted, remove, regulate and control all vegetation planted along any city street in the public right-of-way. The director shall designate the location, species, kind, number spacing and method of planting trees and shrubs. No tree shall be planted closer than twenty feet to another tree, utility pole, or light standard, or closer than ten feet to a sewer lateral, driveway, fire hydrant, water meter or gas meter, or closer than twenty feet from the beginning of the curb return. No tree shall be planted in a parkway which is less than thirty-six inches in width between the sidewalk and curb without the express written consent of the director.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4982734; v10 updated 2026-06-10).
Full Breakdown
060(A) gives the director authority to plant, remove, regulate, and control all vegetation along any city street in the public right-of-way, and to designate the location, species, spacing, and planting method for every tree and shrub. The section sets hard spacing rules: no tree closer than twenty feet to another tree, a utility pole, or a light standard; no closer than ten feet to a sewer lateral, driveway, fire hydrant, water meter, or gas meter; no closer than twenty feet from the start of a curb return; and no tree at all in a parkway narrower than thirty-six inches between the sidewalk and curb without the director's express written consent.
130(A) then assigns day-to-day parkway upkeep to the adjacent property owner, who must plant, fertilize, and maintain turf or suitable groundcover and water and fertilize any trees, though the owner cannot plant a tree, shrub, or groundcover taller than three feet if it obscures visibility, and cannot let plantings climb a street tree's trunk. 130(C) requires a permit for any hardscape improvement such as brick, concrete, or planters placed in the parkway.
Violations & Fines
Planting a tree in violation of the twenty-foot, ten-foot, or thirty-six-inch parkway spacing rules in Section 12.12.060(A) allows the director to remove it under Section 12.12.065(D) after written notice, with the property owner responsible for removal costs and afforded thirty calendar days to appeal the director's decision before removal proceeds, except in urgent or emergency situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can a tree be planted to a driveway in a Westminster parkway?
Who maintains the parkway strip in front of a Westminster home?
Can a Westminster property owner install artificial turf in the parkway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westminster
California rules heatmap·Compare Westminster to another location·View the California tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle parkway planting.