Tree Protection in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
2 verified tree protection rules for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Costa Mesa lets any property owner voluntarily nominate a tree for the city's landmark tree list based on historical, rare-species, or unique-form value; placement requires a majority vote of the city council after review by the parks, recreation facilities and parkways commission, but the program does not force private owners to preserve a tree.
Costa Mesa Landmark Tree Preservation
Light RestrictionsCosta Mesa, CA, Municipal Code § 15-138(a), (d)
It is the intent of this chapter to establish regulations for the voluntary nomination for the preservation of landmark trees within the city, and to encourage property owners to retain as many of their own trees as possible, consistent with the purpose hereof. It is not the intent of this chapter to prevent the use of private property for the normal purposes allowed in the zoning ordinances, c...
Parkway Planting
No one may plant, replace or remove a tree in a Costa Mesa median, parkway or tree easement without a public services department permit. New street trees must follow the city's street tree master plan, and plantings must clear set distances from hydrants, stop signs and driveways.
Costa Mesa Parkway & Street Tree Rules
Some RestrictionsCosta Mesa, CA, Municipal Code § 15-130 and § 15-135
§ 15-130. Street trees required. All tree species for placement in the public right-of-way shall comply with the street tree master plan within the streetscape and median design guidelines. ... § 15-135. Vision clearance. ... trees planted in parkways, or tree easements shall be placed according to the following minimum setbacks: (b) Eight feet from fire hydrants; (c) Twenty-five feet from stop...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
Tree Protection in Orange County →