Buena Park, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Buena Park, 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
- Permit authority
- Director of Public Works
- Parkway growth cap
- 24 inches above curb
- Removal deposit
- Required if replanting ordered
- Appeal
- To Buena Park City Council
Summary
Buena Park bars anyone but a city employee from cutting, injuring, or removing trees on public parkways and streets without a Public Works permit, capping unpermitted landscaping height too.
No person other than a city employee shall in any public street, alley, parkway, thoroughfare or place within the city other than a parkway abutting property owned or occupied by such person: A. Plant or cut down, injure, girdle or remove any tree, shrub, bush or other vegetation; B. Install, damage or destroy any ornament or improvement.
Full Breakdown
Buena Park Municipal Code Chapter 12.20 makes it unlawful for any person other than a city employee to plant, cut down, injure, girdle, or remove a tree, shrub, or other vegetation in a public street, alley, or parkway. Residents must get a permit from the Director of Public Works before planting in the parkway fronting their property, and vegetation there cannot exceed 24 inches above the curb. Removal requires a written application to Public Works; the director issues a permit only on finding nuisance, wrong species, or other good cause, may require replacement planting backed by a refundable deposit, and denials are appealable to the city council.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 12.20 is a misdemeanor under BPMC § 1.04.010, punishable by up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail, or prosecuted as an infraction starting at $100 and rising to $500 for repeat violations within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut down the tree in the parkway in front of my Buena Park house?
Am I responsible for maintaining the city tree on my parkway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle tree removal & heritage trees.