A row of well groomed street trees with sidewalk

Trees can enhance the beauty, health, and livability of our community. They can also become a hazard when not cared for properly. Property owners have the responsibility to maintain trees and bushes on their properties, including those in the planter strip adjoining their properties (the landscaped area between the property line and the street).

Madrone tree

A dead or decaying tree that is a hazard to the public or to nearby persons or property is a nuisance and must be removed. NMC 8.15.100(B) 

Tree and shrub clearances graphic

No trees or bushes should interfere with street or sidewalk traffic. Tree limbs should be trimmed to a height of not less than 8 feet above the sidewalk and not less than 14 feet above the roadway. They should not obstruct street lights or signs. NMC 8.15.100

Fence & Vision Clearance Setback graphic

Trees and bushes should not create visual obstructions for motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. Vegetation or other objects in the vision clearance setback should not be more than 30 inches nor less than 9 feet above the curb line. NMC 15.410.060

A person pruning a tree

No tree greater than 2 inches in diameter in the public right-of-way, such as in the planter strip, may be removed, topped, or severely pruned without a permit from the Planning Division, except where such pruning is required by city ordinances or requested by the city, such as to maintain clearances from sidewalks, street signs, streets, or alleys. “Severe pruning” is defined as severing the trunk, or cutting back the trunk or a limb larger than four inches in diameter to a stub. NMC 12.05.260