Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Anaheim vs Irvine
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Irvine, CA?
Irvine has fewer restrictions than Anaheim.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim protects specimen trees under AMC 18.18.040 and street trees under AMC 13.12. Specimen trees (oaks, sycamores, eucalyptus, pepper trees 8-inch+ trunk diameter) require a removal permit from the Planning Commission.
View full Anaheim rules →Irvine, CA
Orange County
Irvine regulates tree removal under IMC Title 5, Division 7, Chapter 4 (Urban Forest). Street trees and trees in public rights-of-way require city authorization for removal. Private property tree removal generally does not require a permit unless subject to development conditions.
View full Irvine rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Protected Species | Oak, Sycamore, Pepper, Eucalyptus | - |
| Threshold | 8-in trunk diameter | - |
| Permit | Planning Commission | - |
| Code | AMC 18.18.040/13.12 | - |
| Public Trees | - | City authorization required |
| Private Trees | - | Generally no permit needed |
| Code Section | - | IMC Title 5, Div. 7, Ch. 4 |
| Boundary Trees | - | 1 tree per 30 ft of boundary |
| Contact | - | Public Works (949) 724-6000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Anaheim?
Yes, for specimen trees (oak, sycamore, eucalyptus, pepper) with 8-inch+ trunk diameter. Street trees also require city authorization under AMC 13.12.
What are the replacement requirements?
The Planning Commission may require replacement trees as a condition of the removal permit. Applications must include replacement tree plans.
Irvine FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in Irvine?
Generally no for private property trees, unless subject to development conditions or specific plan requirements. Street trees require city authorization.
Can I trim a street tree in Irvine?
No. Street trees are maintained by the city. Contact Public Works at (949) 724-6000 for tree maintenance requests.
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