Tree Removal Permits: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino has no citywide heritage/private-tree preservation ordinance comparable to neighboring Chino Hills CMC Ch. 16.90. On private property, owners can generally remove trees without a city permit. A permit is required only when the tree is in the public right-of-way (parkway/street tree) or when removal is tied to a discretionary project subject to a landscape/site plan reviewed under Chino Development Code Title 20 (Zoning).
View full Chino rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County requires permits to remove protected native trees, including oaks, sycamores, junipers, and pinyon pines on undisturbed parcels. Mountain communities also protect specific conifer species under community-plan tree ordinances.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Private property permit | Not required by Chino Code for general tree removal | - |
| ROW / parkway trees | Public Works approval required — 909-334-3266 | - |
| Code authority | Chino Code Title 20 (Zoning); Title 11 (Streets & Public Places) | - |
| Neighbor overhang | Civil matter — city has no jurisdiction (Chino FAQ #72) | - |
| Code portal | library.municode.com/ca/chino | - |
| Protected oaks | - | Coast live oak and valley oak |
| Mountain conifers | - | Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear |
| Hazard trees | - | After-the-fact reporting |
| Replacement | - | Often required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my backyard in Chino?
Generally no. Chino does not have a heritage or private-tree preservation ordinance. The exception is a tree that was planted as a condition of a development approval (subdivision landscape plan, site plan, or CUP) — those require Community Development sign-off before removal.
What about the tree in the strip between the sidewalk and curb?
That parkway tree is a city tree maintained by Public Works (909-334-3266). You cannot remove or heavily prune it yourself; submit a request and the city decides whether to remove or replace it.
Is there a state law requiring a permit?
California's Oak Woodlands Conservation Act (Fish & Game Code §§1360-1372) and CEQA apply to development projects affecting oak woodlands but generally do not regulate single-tree removal on residential lots.
San Bernardino FAQ
Are dead trees exempt?
Confirmed dead and hazardous trees may be removed without prior permit, but you should photo-document and notify the county afterward to avoid suspicion of poaching live protected trees.
Do I need a permit for fruit trees?
No, non-native fruit trees, ornamental landscape trees, and citrus are not protected. Only native species listed in the Development Code or community plan trigger tree-removal permitting.
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