In Pomona, CA, the tree between the sidewalk and the curb, or in a planting strip along the street, is usually a City street tree. Pomona Municipal Code Sec. 46-467 requires a written permit from the City before anyone removes, trims, prunes or cuts a tree on a City street or in a planting strip. Public Works maintains City trees, and the City line for City trees and broken limbs is (909) 620-3759, or (909) 282-2835 after hours.
How to tell whether a tree is a street tree
- Location. Trees in the parkway, the strip between the sidewalk and curb, are almost always City trees.
- No sidewalk? On streets without a sidewalk, the City's right-of-way can still extend several feet into what looks like your front yard. Your property survey or the City can confirm.
- Planted by whom? Pomona's historic preservation rules define street trees as trees planted by the City on a City easement, parkway or dedicated land. Trees an owner planted in the right-of-way are treated differently under those rules, but they are still on public land.
If you are not sure, ask the City before any work. It is much easier than fixing a mistake.
What the permit rule means
The code's requirement is broad. Removing, trimming, pruning or cutting a street tree all need a written permit. The permit request needs to show why the work is needed, and the work must follow City ordinances and be done under the City's supervision. Businesses that remove trees in the right-of-way must also file proof of liability coverage with the City. You can read the street tree code for the full wording.
Who maintains City trees
Pomona's Public Works Department maintains trees in the public right-of-way, along with parks and medians. Its Parks and Facilities division follows the City's Urban Forestry Manual, which sets standards for maintenance and removal. Public Works does not maintain private trees.
What to do about a problem street tree
- Broken or hanging limb. Call the City trees and broken limbs line at (909) 620-3759, or (909) 282-2835 after hours.
- Tree looks dead or unsafe. Report it to the same line and describe what you see.
- Roots lifting the sidewalk. Report it to Public Works. Do not cut the roots yourself.
- Limbs too low over the walk or street. Ask the City about clearance pruning.
- You want it removed. Ask the City about the permit process and what justification it needs.
Find other City numbers on the frequently called numbers page.
Historic districts add a layer
In Pomona's historic districts, removing a street tree is treated as a major project under the historic preservation ordinance, which means a Certificate of Appropriateness. Trimming street trees in line with City policy is handled differently. Read our guide to historic district tree work.
Trees on your side of the sidewalk
Trees fully on your lot are yours to maintain. You can hire a tree service for trimming, removal or stump grinding. If the home is in a historic district, or the tree is very large, check with Pomona Planning before a removal. HOA rules can also apply.
Corner lots and visibility
On corner lots, Pomona limits obstructions in the sight triangle near intersections, including hedges and plants. Trees are allowed if they are trimmed up to at least 8 feet above the intersection level. If your corner tree blocks drivers' view, keeping the lower limbs raised helps everyone and keeps you in line with the City's rule.
Why the rule exists
Street trees shade sidewalks, cool the neighborhood and add value to every home on the block. A single bad pruning job can ruin a tree that took decades to grow. The permit rule keeps street tree work consistent with City standards and gives the City a chance to plan replacements when a tree has to go.
Summary
- Parkway and planting-strip trees in Pomona are generally City trees.
- A written City permit is required to remove, trim, prune or cut them.
- Public Works maintains them. Call (909) 620-3759 for problems.
- Historic districts add review for removals.
- Trees fully on your property are yours to maintain.
If you have a tree on your side of the line, call (909) 479-2666.
Related reading: roots, sidewalks and sewer lines.
Common questions
Can I trim a low branch on the street tree in front of my house?
Pomona's code requires a written City permit for anyone to trim, prune or cut a street tree, so contact the City first. If a low limb blocks the sidewalk or the street, report it to the City trees line at (909) 620-3759 and ask about clearance pruning. Do not hire a contractor to cut it without a permit.
Who pays for sidewalk damage from a street tree in Pomona?
Report root damage to Public Works, which maintains trees in the public right-of-way. Responsibility for sidewalk repair can depend on City policy and the situation, so ask the City directly. Do not cut roots of a street tree yourself, since that can kill or destabilize the tree and violate the code.