San Bernardino County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in San Bernardino County, CA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Trigger size
- Native tree, 6 in. stem diameter
- Permit needed
- Tree or Plant Removal Permit
- Approving official
- Director or Fire Chief
- Area covered
- Unincorporated Valley and Mountain Regions
- No permit
- Unlawful public nuisance, code enforcement
Summary
Removing a native tree six inches or more in trunk diameter in the unincorporated county requires a Tree or Plant Removal Permit under County Code § 88.01.040 and § 88.01.050, reviewed by the Director or Fire Chief.
(b) Regulated Trees. The following trees shall only be removed with an approved Tree or Plant Removal Permit issued in compliance with § 88.01.050 (Tree or Plant Removal Permits): (1) Native Trees. A living, native tree with a six inch or greater stem diameter or 19 inches in circumference measured four and one-half feet above natural grade level.
Full Breakdown
Under San Bernardino County Code § 88.01.070(b), any living native tree with a stem diameter of six inches or more (19 inches in circumference, measured 4.5 feet above grade) is a regulated tree, and removing one anywhere in the unincorporated Valley or Mountain Region requires a Tree or Plant Removal Permit issued under § 88.01.050. The Director approves removals tied to a building, grading, or land use permit, or standalone requests; the Fire Chief approves removals sought to mitigate fire hazards. Reviewers can require an arborist's certification, impose replacement or transplanting conditions, and set a permit expiration date. Cutting a regulated tree without the permit is an unlawful public nuisance under § 86.09.050.
Violations & Fines
Removing a regulated tree without a Tree or Plant Removal Permit is an unlawful public nuisance under § 86.09.050, subject to County code enforcement action and abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trees need a permit before removal in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
Who approves a Tree or Plant Removal Permit?
Are any tree removals exempt from the permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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