Tree Protection in Riverside, CA (2026)
6 verified tree protection rules for Riverside, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 13.25 regulates removal, trimming, and replacement of trees in public rights-of-way. No person may remove a street, parkway, or park tree without authorization from the Public Works Department / City Council. Private-property tree removal is unregulated for most species, but on parcels above one-half acre the County tree ordinance (Ord. 559) applies.
Tree Removal Permits — Street, Park, and Public Trees Require Council Authorization
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Unlike many California cities, Riverside does not maintain a separately codified "heritage tree" registry within its Municipal Code. Tree-of-cultural-significance protection is achieved indirectly through Chapter 13.25 (public right-of-way trees), the Urban Forestry Policy Manual, and Title 20 Cultural Resources for landmark-designated properties. The County's Ordinance 559 protects native trees on large rural parcels.
Heritage and Significant Trees — No Standalone City Designation Program
Some RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Riverside Municipal Code §13.25.020 requires that any tree lawfully removed from the public right-of-way be replaced. Replacement species are selected by the Public Works Department based on the Master Street Tree Planting List, and no more than 5% of the City's total inventory may be any one species.
Tree Replacement — Mandatory 1:1 Replacement for Removed Right-of-Way Trees
Heavy RestrictionsTree Ordinances
Riverside street trees are under city Urban Forestry jurisdiction — pruning or removal by residents is prohibited without a permit. The Street Tree Master Plan sets species, spacing, and protection standards citywide.
Tree Ordinances in Riverside
Some RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
Within Riverside city limits, endangered tree species cannot lawfully be cut or damaged. Native oaks receive heightened review. On larger parcels in Riverside County (over one-half acre, above 5,000 ft elevation), County Ordinance No. 559 prohibits removing any living native tree without a County permit, and the County's Oak Tree Management Guidelines apply.
Protected Species — Native Oaks, Endangered Trees, and County-Level Native Protections
Heavy RestrictionsParkway Planting
All trees planted in the parkway (the strip between sidewalk and curb) or any other public right-of-way must conform to the City's Master Street Tree Planting List and Master Urban Forest Plan. Residents cannot plant a tree of their own choosing in the parkway — Public Works selects the species, and a planting request must be approved.
Parkway Planting — Master Street Tree List Mandatory; Public Works Permit Required
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Riverside city rules.
Tree Protection in Riverside County →