Protected Tree Species: Chino vs Ontario
How do protected tree species rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Ontario.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino does not designate specific protected native tree species (such as California sycamore, coast live oak, or California black walnut) on private property. That contrasts sharply with neighboring Chino Hills, which lists those four natives plus coastal scrub oak under CHMC Ch. 16.90. In Chino, protection of native species attaches only at the project-CEQA level via California Fish & Game Code §§1360-1372 (Oak Woodlands Conservation Act) for projects impacting oak woodlands.
View full Chino rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Western Joshua trees are protected under California's Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act of 2023. Removing or relocating them in San Bernardino County requires a state permit and mitigation fees, with additional county Native Desert Plant Protection rules.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| City-protected native species | None designated | - |
| Comparable Chino Hills list | CA Sycamore, Coast Live Oak, CA Black Walnut, Coastal Scrub Oak (CHMC 16.90 — does NOT apply in Chino) | - |
| State oak woodland law | Fish & Game Code §§1360-1372 | - |
| Riparian / streambed | Fish & Game Code §§1600-1616 (CDFW 1602 agreement) | - |
| Nesting birds | Fish & Game Code §3503 / federal MBTA (Feb 15-Sep 1 typical avoidance) | - |
| State law | - | AB 1283 of 2023 |
| Permitting agency | - | CDFW |
| County ordinance | - | Native Desert Plant Protection |
| Mitigation fee | - | Thousands per tree |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I cut down a coast live oak on my Chino property?
Yes — Chino has no protected-species ordinance on private property. A CEQA-level review may attach only if the work is part of a discretionary development project impacting oak woodland habitat (Fish & Game Code §§1360-1372).
What about a tree near Chino Creek?
Trees within the bed, bank, or channel of Chino Creek may require a CDFW §1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement before removal — that's state, not city.
What if there's a bird nest in the tree?
Active nests of native birds are protected year-round by Fish & Game Code §3503 and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Wait until fledging is complete before removing or pruning.
Ontario FAQ
Can I remove a Joshua tree on my own land?
Not without a CDFW permit. Even on private land you must apply, document the take, pay mitigation fees, and may be required to relocate or replant. Hazard removals follow expedited processes.
What other desert plants are protected?
California Desert Native Plants Act protects yucca species, agave, mesquite, palo verde, ironwood, ocotillo, smoke tree, and barrel cacti. County ordinances may add additional native species in mountain and desert zones.
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