Sonoma Municipal Code Art. VI Pruning and Trimming Regulations and Guidelines

A. Pruning and trimming of all trees and shrubs within the city is encouraged except as prohibited or limited herein.

B. Pruning on public property except as authorized by the public works director or other city department heads responsible for maintenance, or provided for as an exception in this chapter, is prohibited.

C. An owner or occupant of a lot shall keep all trees, hedges and other plants situated on the lot which abut upon or overhang a public street or sidewalk properly trimmed so that the same shall not interfere with the free use of the street or sidewalk. Such trimming shall not require a permit under this chapter; however, an encroachment permit may be required, under other ordinances or regulations of the city, to perform work within the public right-of-way.

D. The trimming and pruning of trees that provide habitat for nesting birds should be avoided during the nesting season (March through July) in order to limit impacts on bird habitat. (Ord. 11-2009 § 1(15), (16), (17), 2009; Ord. 09-2003 § 1, 2003; Ord. 96-11, 1996).