Tree Protection in Murrieta, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Murrieta, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Murrieta protects trees the city council formally designates by resolution as historically significant, whether for their tie to a notable event or person or for their size, condition, or aesthetic value, under Municipal Code Sections 16.42.040(F) and 16.42.050(D).
Historically Significant Tree Rules in Murrieta
Some RestrictionsMurrieta Code of Ordinances §§ 16.42.040(F), 16.42.050(D)
F. Historically Significant Tree. A living tree designated by resolution of the council as an historic tree because of an association with some event or person of historical significance to the community or because of special recognition due to size, condition, or aesthetic qualities. ... 16.42.050 Protected Trees. A protected tree is any of the following: ... D. Historically Significant Tr...
Protected Tree Species
Murrieta's tree preservation chapter protects mature native oaks, mature native trees, and mature trees of any species based on trunk diameter thresholds, and bars cutting them down without a permit under Municipal Code Section 16.42.050.
Protected Tree Species Rules in Murrieta
Some RestrictionsMurrieta Code of Ordinances § 16.42.050(A)-(C)
16.42.050 Protected Trees. A protected tree is any of the following: A. Mature Native Oak Tree; B. Mature Native Tree; C. Mature Tree; D. Historically Significant Tree; or, E. Any tree required to be planted or preserved as environmental mitigation, or condition of approval for a discretionary permit.
Parkway Planting
New single-family homes and custom homes in Murrieta must plant one 24-inch-box street tree every 40 feet on center in the parkway strip between the curb and the front of the structure, plus two 15-gallon shade trees on the lot, three on corner lots, under Development Code Section 16.28.070(C)(2). An automatic irrigation system is required for the same area.
Parkway Tree Planting Rules in Murrieta
Some RestrictionsMurrieta Code of Ordinances § 16.28.070(C)(2)
C. New Single-family Residences. New single-family developments and custom homes shall provide landscaping with an automatic irrigation system for the area of the site between the street curb and the front of the structure from side property line to side property line. The landscape design should include a combination of trees, shrubs, groundcover, mulch, and hardscape, and shall emphasize wa...
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Murrieta city rules.
Tree Protection in Riverside County →