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Default rule and exceptions
Anaheim Municipal Code § 12.29.010 makes the owner of a property whose tree causes an adjacent City-owned sidewalk to crack, uplift or depress responsible for repairing the sidewalk and, if necessary, removing the tree. The general sidewalk-maintenance duty also rests on the owner under CA S&H § 5610. (The code does not separately allocate damage caused by a City street tree.)
Permit required: yes.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Repair sidewalk damage caused by a tree on the owner’s property, even where the sidewalk is City-owned (§ 12.29.010); maintain the fronting sidewalk generally (§ 5610). |
| City / public agency | On owner default the City may repair and bill the owner (§ 12.29.030). The code does not codify a City-pays rule for City-street-tree root damage. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 9, 2026.
The owner of any property on which is situated a tree which causes an adjacent City-owned sidewalk to become cracked, uplifted or depressed due to growth of roots or other material below or next to the sidewalk shall be responsible for repair of the damaged sidewalk
The owners of lots or portions of lots fronting on any portion of a public street or place when that street or place is improved ... shall maintain any sidewalk in such condition that the sidewalk will not endanger persons or property
City rules rest on state law. Read California's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for tree roots in Anaheim, CA?
The property owner. Repair sidewalk damage caused by a tree on the owner’s property, even where the sidewalk is City-owned (§ 12.29.010); maintain the fronting sidewalk generally (§ 5610).
What does the city cover in Anaheim, CA?
On owner default the City may repair and bill the owner (§ 12.29.030). The code does not codify a City-pays rule for City-street-tree root damage.
Do I need a permit to repair the sidewalk in Anaheim, CA?
Yes. The rule on record requires a permit for sidewalk work in the public right-of-way.
What is this based on for Anaheim, CA?
This verdict is sourced to Anaheim Municipal Code § 12.29.010 (owner responsible for private-tree root sidewalk damage) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Anaheim Municipal Code § 12.29.010 (owner responsible for private-tree root sidewalk damage)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
- California Streets & Highways Code § 5610 (owner duty to maintain fronting sidewalk)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-09
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