3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in San Diego County, California.
Verified from official government sources
San Diego County's Resource Protection Ordinance (RPO) protects significant native vegetation in unincorporated areas. Removal of protected trees (including native oaks) may require permits and mitigation. Exemptions exist for defensible space and agricultural clearing.
San Diego County does not have a specific heritage tree ordinance for unincorporated areas. However, exceptionally old or large native trees receive protection under the Resource Protection Ordinance. Significant native vegetation is evaluated during the development review process.
When protected native trees are removed in unincorporated San Diego County, the Resource Protection Ordinance may require replacement planting at specified mitigation ratios. New single-family projects must include at least 2 trees per dwelling unit.
6 cities in San Diego County have their own tree protection rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
5 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Protected Tree Species
3 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Tree Removal Permits
3 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Tree Removal Permits
3 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Tree Removal Permits
3 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Tree Removal Permits
3 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Tree Removal Permits
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