For Your Information: Tree Safety Clearance Activities

To provide our customers with safe and reliable electric service, as well as complying with State-mandated regulations, we regularly inspect facilities for encroaching vegetation.

The guidelines below describe the minimum clearances required between vegetation and electrical equipment. To maintain compliance with state law, SDG&E maintains clearances that exceed the minimum distance required.

Clearance Requirements

Underground vault and transformer facilities

• 8 feet from the door

• 18 inches from the sides

• Clear from ground to sky

Utility pole climbing space

• 3 feet clearance for two quadrants of the pole

Secondary voltage lines from pole to pole

• 3 feet clearance from wires

Service drop from pole to house or pole to structure

• No strain or abrasion of conductors

Guy wires that support poles whether pole to ground or pole to pole

• No strain or abrasion of guy wires