Except for city trees being planted in the parkway, the parkway between the sidewalk and curb is usually considered to be the owner’s responsibility. If landscaping on your street needs to be replaced or maintained, please contact the 311 Call Center.
If a tree in the parkway needs to be trimmed, removed or replaced, contact the 311 Call Center to report your concerns. A tree inspector will be dispatched to inspect the tree and to schedule any necessary action.
Yes. Contact the 311 Call Center and be prepared to give them the exact location of the obstruction and/or the location of the median or parkway. If you are concerned about a traffic hazard being caused by the obstruction, please explain the reason for your concern.
The Riverside Municipal Code has established guidelines to implement the California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act by designing, installing and maintaining water efficient landscapes. This insures the enhancement of developments, reduction of heat and glare, control of soil erosion and conservation of water. It also provides recreation areas, cleaner air and water, fire protection and establishes a buffer between residential and non-residential land use.
Riverside Municipal Code - 19.570 Water Efficient Landscaping & Irrigation
Yes. The Forestry & Landscaping Division can mitigate gophers and squirrels on the landscaped public rights-of-way. However, the city does not provide rat or mouse control services and does not mitigate gophers and squirrels on unimproved public right-of-ways or on private property.
Contact the311 Call Center and be prepared to give them detailed information. They will need the location of the sprinkler and the location of the median or parkway. They will need to know if the water is currently running and/or continuously running in order to properly prioritize the complaint. If you are concerned about a traffic hazard being caused by the sprinkler, please explain the reason for your concern.
The Streets Division Weed Abatement Section is responsible for mitigation of weeds on public property. Contact the 311 Call Center to report your concerns. Please note whether the area is or is not landscaped so the complaint can be directed to the appropriate Department.
The Sewer Division handles all concerns relating to canals, catch basins and storm drains. Contact the 311 Call Center to report your concerns.
The city has many different projects going on throughout the year. These projects are being done by different Departments and often times different Divisions within a Department. Contact the 311 Call Center to request information on any of the projects of concern to you.
The right-of-way for each address is different throughout the city. If you have a curbside sidewalk or no sidewalk, the right-of-way could be anywhere from ten to fifteen feet or more. Contact the 311 Call Center to verify ownership.
If low hanging branches, from a private tree, are interfering with the use of your property it is considered a civil matter.
City residents are responsible for trimming their vegetation in accordance with these guidelines.
- Trees, shrubs, hedges or other landscaping may not interfere with public convenience or safety in the use of streets, trails, paths and sidewalks.
- Property owners must maintain trees, shrubs, hedges or other landscaping in a safe and non-dangerous condition for users of public streets, trails, paths and sidewalks.
- If any person suffers damage or injury to person or property, the property owner or person in possession shall be liable for all damages.
- Riverside Municipal Code - Vegetation Maintenance
City residents are responsible for trimming their vegetation in accordance with these guidelines.
- Vegetation cannot obscure or impair the view of intersecting or entering traffic from a street of motorists or pedestrians.
- Vegetation cannot obscure street signs, traffic signs, or any other control devices or signs placed upon the streets for the safety and convenience of the public.
- Vegetation cannot overhang or project into any street if it is liable to fall, or is dangerous or an obstruction to public pedestrian, equestrian, bicycle or vehicular travel.
- Riverside Municipal Code - Vegetation Maintenance
Any damage done by a private tree or shrub is the owner's responsibility. Contact the 311 Call Center to verify ownership.
No. Any tree may be planted and maintained on private property. Read the Tree Planting Guide for information regarding what trees grow best in Riverside and how to maintain them.
Riverside Public Utilities also offers rebates on trees.
Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) is responsible for the operation, maintenance and construction of electric lines and equipment. Should RPU determine private trees or landscaping materials are growing at an unsafe distance from electric lines and equipment, RPU will:
- Give notice in person
- Place a written notice on the premises
The notice will let the owner know line clearance crews will be working to remove any encroaching growth. However if a hazard exists, RPU will immediately trim or remove the encroaching growth to mitigate safety hazards.
Service drop line clearances are maintained by the property owner. RPU is not responsible for cable television or phone line clearances.