My neighbor’s tree branches overhang onto my property and are dropping leaves into my yard/patio/garden, etc. Can the City make them trim the branches or remove the tree?

This is a commonly asked question because the problem occurs in nearly every residential neighborhood where aging landscape conditions exist. Code enforcement does not have the authority to require a property owner to trim or remove any of their vegetation unless it overhangs into a public right-of-way - impeding either pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or unless the vegetation is dead and presents a potential fire hazard.


Instead, this particular question is a good example of a civil matter between property owners. Code enforcement does recommend callers attempt to work this out amicably with their neighbor. (Any offending branches/vegetation may be trimmed back to the caller’s property line, as long as the trimming does not impact the future life of the plant.)

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1. What is the purpose of code enforcement?
2. How does the code enforcement process work?
3. What are some common items that are considered a violation?
4. I want to report a property maintenance problem in my neighborhood but I don't want anyone to know I called. Do I have to give you my name?
5. What will Code enforcement do if I refuse to comply with the City's Municipal Code?
6. The house next door is a rental and the tenants are messy. There are inoperable cars in the driveway, the house siding and shingles are falling off the house. Can you make the owner do something?
7. My neighbor’s tree branches overhang onto my property and are dropping leaves into my yard/patio/garden, etc. Can the City make them trim the branches or remove the tree?