Tree Removal Permits: Hesperia vs San Bernardino
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Hesperia, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Hesperia and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Municipal Code Chapter 16.24 (Protected Plants) regulates removal of native desert vegetation, including the Western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), which is also protected statewide under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (2023, Fish and Game Code §1927 et seq.). You may not remove, trim, damage, move, or kill a Western Joshua tree without a take permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Non-protected ornamental trees on private residential lots generally do not require a city permit, but any tree on a parcel undergoing discretionary development review is subject to a Protected Plant Preservation Plan and a Protected Plant bond submitted prior to ground disturbance.
View full Hesperia rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Unincorporated San Bernardino County requires a Tree or Plant Removal Permit under Development Code Section 88.01.050 to remove regulated native trees and plants. The Director or Fire Chief reviews applications, which may require an arborist or forester certification and a plot plan. Illegal removal is a misdemeanor.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Local Code | Hesperia MC Ch. 16.24 (Protected Plants) | - |
| State Law | Cal. Fish & Game Code §§1927–1927.6 (Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act) | - |
| Permit Issuer (Joshua tree) | California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) | - |
| Hazard Permit Cost | Free (CDFW) | - |
| Ornamental Trees | No city permit for routine removal on existing residential lots | - |
| Governing Code | - | Development Code Section 88.01.050 (Tree or Plant Removal Permits) |
| Review Authority | - | Land Use Services Director, or Fire Chief for fire-hazard removals |
| Application Portal | - | EZ Online Permitting (Planning category) |
| Joshua Tree Specimen Size | - | 50-inch circumference at 4.5 ft, 15 ft height, bark-like trunk, or 10+ cluster |
| May Require | - | Arborist, registered forester, or Desert Native Plant Expert certification plus plot plan |
| Penalty for Illegal Removal | - | Misdemeanor, $500-$1,000 per tree, replacement program, possible permit revocation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a Joshua tree on my Hesperia property?
Yes. Under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, any removal, trimming, or relocation requires a permit from CDFW. Hesperia MC §16.24 also requires city review during development.
Can I remove a dead pine or juniper in my yard without a permit?
Non-protected, non-native ornamental trees on an existing single-family lot generally do not require a city permit, though HOA rules may apply.
San Bernardino FAQ
How do I get a tree removal permit in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
Apply for a Tree or Plant Removal Permit under Development Code Section 88.01.050 through the County's EZ Online Permitting portal. The Land Use Services Director (or the Fire Chief for fire-hazard removals) reviews the request and may require an arborist or forester certification, a preconstruction inspection, and a plot plan identifying exactly which regulated trees may be removed.
What are the rules for removing specimen Joshua trees?
In the Desert region, removing specimen-size Joshua trees requires findings that no reasonable alternative exists and that the trees will be transplanted or stockpiled where possible, consistent with the Desert Native Plants Act. Specimen size means a 50-inch-or-greater circumference at 4.5 feet, a height of 15 feet or more, a bark-like trunk, or a cluster of ten or more trees.
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