Tree Removal Permits: Midway City vs Santa Ana
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Midway City, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana has fewer restrictions than Midway City.
Midway City, CA
Orange County
Unincorporated Orange County's Protected Tree Ordinance (Section 7-9-69) prohibits cutting, destroying, or removing protected trees with a trunk diameter of 5 inches or more at breast height without a Protected Tree Removal or Damage Permit from OC Development Services.
View full Midway City rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana requires permits for removal of street trees managed by the city's Public Works department. Private property tree removal may require a permit depending on tree species and size. The city maintains a street tree inventory and removal of city trees without authorization is a violation subject to fines and replacement costs.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Midway City | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | Section 7-9-69 | - |
| Threshold | 5 inches DBH | - |
| Protected Species | Native oaks (Quercus) | - |
| Arborist Report | Required for permit | - |
| Street Trees | - | City-managed — permit required for removal |
| Private Trees | - | May require permit by species/size |
| Authority | - | Public Works — street tree program |
| Unauthorized Removal | - | Subject to fines and replacement costs |
| Inventory | - | City maintains street tree inventory |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Midway City FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in unincorporated Orange County?
Yes, if the tree is a protected species (primarily native oaks) with a trunk diameter of 5 inches or more at breast height. Submit a Protected Tree Removal Permit application with a certified arborist report to OC Development Services.
What trees are protected in unincorporated Orange County?
Native California oaks including Quercus berberidifolia, Q. dumosa, and Q. morehus are protected. Single-trunk oaks need 6-inch DBH and multi-trunk need 10-inch aggregate DBH to qualify.
Santa Ana FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Santa Ana?
For street trees managed by the city, a permit from Public Works is required. Private property tree removal may also require a permit depending on the species and size.
What happens if I remove a city street tree without permission in Santa Ana?
Unauthorized removal of a city street tree is a violation subject to fines and the cost of replacing the tree, including the appraised value of the removed tree.
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