Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Anaheim vs Santa Ana
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana 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 →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana regulates tree removal on public property and street trees under SAMC Chapter 33 (Streets and Sidewalks). Private property tree removal generally does not require a city permit unless the tree is in a designated area or subject to environmental review.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 for removal |
| Private Trees | - | Generally no permit (exceptions apply) |
| Street Trees | - | Written authorization from Public Works |
| Code Section | - | SAMC Chapter 33 |
| Contact | - | Public Works Agency |
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.
Santa Ana FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in Santa Ana?
Generally no permit is required for private property tree removal unless the tree is subject to development conditions, environmental protections, or specific plan requirements. Always check with Planning first.
Can I trim a street tree in Santa Ana?
No. Trimming or removing trees in public rights-of-way requires written authorization from the Public Works Agency under SAMC Chapter 33.
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