Tree Replacement Requirements: Chino vs Rialto
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino imposes replacement-tree requirements only through Title 20 (Zoning) landscape standards for new development, multi-family projects, commercial/industrial site plans, and parking lots — not through a standalone tree-removal ordinance. Replacement is also required for any city-owned parkway tree removed by Public Works (typically a 15-gallon or 24-inch box replacement in the same parkway). Single-family homeowners removing trees on their own lots have no city-imposed replacement obligation.
View full Chino rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Replacement of removed trees in Rialto is required in two contexts: (1) removal of a city-owned street or parkway tree under Title 12 (replacement species and size set by Public Works), and (2) removal or loss of trees installed under an approved Title 18 landscape plan, which must be replaced consistent with the original conditions of approval. There is no fixed citywide replanting ratio for private trees outside these contexts.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family lot replacement | Not required by city code | - |
| New development replacement | Per approved landscape plan (Chino Code Title 20) | - |
| Typical replacement size | 15-gallon minimum; 24-inch box for significant trees | - |
| ROW tree replacement | Public Works (909-334-3266) — city selects species from master list | - |
| MWELO threshold (state) | ≥500 sq ft homeowner / ≥2,500 sq ft developer landscape installs | - |
| Street tree replacement size | - | Per Public Works direction (typically 24in or 36in box) |
| Conditioned landscape trees | - | Replace per approved plan |
| MWELO compliance | - | Required for new/rehab landscape >500 sq ft |
| Civil Code §3346 | - | Double/treble damages for wrongful cutting |
| Citywide ratio for private trees | - | None codified |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
If I take out a tree in my yard, do I have to plant a new one?
Not unless the tree was required as a condition of a development permit (subdivision, ADU, addition with landscape plan, CUP). Homeowners replacing dead trees in standard residential yards have no city replacement requirement.
What about a tree the city removes from my parkway?
Public Works typically replants the same parkway with a species from the city's approved street tree list at the city's expense.
Does MWELO require trees?
MWELO (CCR Title 23) regulates irrigation efficiency and turf area, not tree counts, but landscape design plans submitted under MWELO commonly identify trees for shade and ET (evapotranspiration) credit.
Rialto FAQ
If a contractor damages my street tree, who replaces it?
Under Title 12, the responsible party must reimburse the city for the appraised value and replacement of the parkway tree, set by Public Works.
Do I have to replace a backyard tree I remove?
Not unless the tree is part of a recorded landscape condition. Replanting is encouraged but not mandated for ordinary single-family lots.
What is MWELO and does it apply to me?
California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applies to new landscape installations over 500 sq ft (and rehab over 2,500 sq ft) and governs how replacement and new trees are selected and irrigated.
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