Fullerton's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Fullerton, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Parkway Planting

New subdivisions in Fullerton must plant street trees in the parkway strip under Community Forest Management Plan specifications approved by the Director of Public Works. FMC § 9.06.090 requires a plot plan showing every existing tree, proposed planting locations, and a canopy-coverage plan for new public parking lots.

Key details: Governing body: Fullerton Public Works Director. Canopy target: 50% of new lot shading in 15 years. Planting permit: Bond required before subdivider plants. Plot plan review: Development Services Director.

Chapter 9.06's general penalty provision, § 9.06.190, applies: any person violating the chapter is subject to the penalties in § 1.08.010 (infraction fines up to $100 first offense, $200 second, $500 for each further offense within a year, or prosecution as a misdemeanor up to $1,000 and six months in jail), plus a separate fee equal to the tree's full replacement value, which is deposited into a Public Works revolving fund used to replant trees citywide.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Fullerton designates individual trees of exceptional age, size or historic value as landmark trees by City Council resolution under FMC § 9.06.130. Once designated, a landmark tree can be removed only after the City Council approves it based on a Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation and reasonable-standards review.

Key details: Designation authority: City Council, by resolution. Removal approval: City Council, on Commission recommendation. Appeal window: 10 days to Parks and Recreation Commission. Replacement condition: On-site or off-site replacement tree.

Chapter 9.06's penalty section, § 9.06.190, applies the general code penalty in § 1.08.010 (infraction fines of $100/$200/$500 for successive violations, or misdemeanor prosecution up to $1,000 and six months in County Jail) plus a mandatory fee equal to the tree's full replacement value, deposited into a Public Works revolving fund dedicated to replacing and planting trees. Any Director decision, including a landmark tree determination, can be appealed to the City Parks and Recreation Commission within ten days under § 9.06.120, with a further ten-day window to appeal that Commission's decision to the City Council, whose ruling is final.

This is one of the stricter rules in Fullerton's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Fullerton's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fullerton is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Fullerton's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.