San Bernardino Tree Pruning Ordinance & Requests

Parks and Public Spaces California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

San Bernardino, California maintains municipal rules and operational procedures for pruning trees on city property and regulating work affecting street trees. This guide explains who is responsible, how to request pruning or report hazardous trees, expected scheduling practices, enforcement options, and the steps to appeal or apply for variances. It is tailored to property owners, landscapers, and neighborhood groups who need clear, actionable steps for interacting with City departments.

Overview

The City maintains and prunes trees in parks, medians, and along public rights-of-way. Private-property tree work may be regulated when it affects public safety, utilities, sidewalks, or designated heritage trees. The controlling municipal regulations are published in the City code and departmental webpages; see the municipal code for ordinance language and the Code Enforcement contact page for complaints.[1][2]

Who is Responsible

  • Public trees on sidewalks, medians, and parks: City Public Works - Parks or Urban Forestry division.
  • Trees on private property that create a public hazard or violate city code: Community Development - Code Enforcement.
  • Emergencies (downed limbs blocking roadways): contact emergency services and City Public Works immediately.

Schedule & Request Process

Requests for city pruning or safety inspections are processed by the Parks or Public Works departments according to priority: emergency hazards, safety-related trimming near utilities or clearances, then routine maintenance. Property owners may submit a service request or complaint to Code Enforcement for inspection; the municipality will triage and schedule work based on hazard level and available resources. Typical scheduling information such as maximum response times or fixed seasonal pruning windows is not specified on the cited municipal pages.[1]

Request online or by phone to get a written request number.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces tree-related rules through Code Enforcement and may issue orders requiring corrective action, assess administrative fines, or pursue abatement. Specific civil fines, penalty amounts, and daily rates are not specified on the cited municipal pages; where exact fees are required they appear in the municipal code or fee schedules if published separately.[1][2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: initial notices followed by administrative citations or abatement orders; exact escalation steps and repeat-offence rates not specified.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: abatement orders, stop-work orders, and referral to hearing officers or court for enforcement.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Community Development - Code Enforcement handles violations and complaints; see official contact for filing a complaint or requesting inspection.[2]
If you receive a notice, read it for deadlines and appeal instructions immediately.

Applications & Forms

  • Formal permits or forms: the cited city pages do not list a single required tree-pruning permit form; specific permits (e.g., for protected trees, removals, or work in the public right-of-way) may be listed in the municipal code or departmental permit pages and are not specified on the cited pages.[1]
  • Submission: typically via the appropriate department webpage, permit counter, or Code Enforcement complaint portal; check department pages for online submission options.

FAQ

How do I request the City to prune a tree on the public sidewalk?
Contact the City Public Works or submit a Code Enforcement service request for tree maintenance; you will receive an inspection or scheduling information based on priority and hazard assessment.
Who pays for pruning of trees that affect private property?
Generally the City maintains public trees; pruning required because of private activity or to remedy a private hazard may be the property owners responsibility—specific cost allocation is determined by code or departmental policy and is not specified on the cited pages.
Can I prune a street tree in front of my house?
Not without following city rules: many cities require permits or notification for work on street trees; consult the municipal code and contact Code Enforcement or Public Works before pruning.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the tree is on public property (sidewalk, park, median) or private property.
  2. Contact Code Enforcement or Public Works to report hazards and request inspection; provide address, photos, and contact details.
  3. Attend inspection if scheduled and obtain the inspectors determination and any required corrective actions or permits.
  4. If a permit is required for removal or significant pruning, complete the department form and pay applicable fees as directed by staff.
  5. Follow deadlines on notices; if you disagree you may appeal via the hearing or appeal process stated on the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • City departments prioritize safety hazards for pruning and inspections.
  • Permits or approvals may be required for work on street or protected trees; check municipal code.
  • Use the official Code Enforcement or Public Works contact to report hazards and request service.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] San Bernardino Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of San Bernardino - Code Enforcement

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