Chino Hills, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Chino Hills, 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 required
- Tree Removal and/or Relocation Permit
- Applies to
- Heritage trees and native tree species
- Application fee
- Set by City Council resolution
- Mitigation
- Replacement ratio, 5-yr maintenance covenant
- Emergency removal
- Allowed without permit, hazard only
Summary
Removing or destroying a protected tree in Chino Hills, whether a heritage tree or a native tree species, is unlawful without a City tree permit under Municipal Code Section 16.90.040. No grading or building permit can issue on the lot until that tree permit is obtained.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation or other legal entity to destroy or remove any non-exempt protected trees within the City without a tree permit. When a tree permit is required, no grading or building permits shall be issued until the tree permit is issued, nor shall work of any kind commence that would result in the destruction, damage, or removal of any non-exempt protected tree prior to the issuance of the tree permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 61).
Full Breakdown
020, without a tree permit. The prohibition has teeth: when a tree permit is required, the City will not issue any grading or building permit, and no work of any kind that would damage or remove the tree may begin, until the tree permit itself is issued. 050, a written statement of the reason for removal, a site plan showing every tree in the project area by species, trunk diameter, height, drip line, and health, photographs supporting the removal, a technical report from a City-approved certified arborist, and a fee set by City Council resolution.
060, such as disease, danger of falling, interference with utilities or structures, that the tree unreasonably blocks development, or that removal improves defensible space for fire safety. 070, backed by a maintenance covenant recorded against the property for at least five years. 130.
Violations & Fines
Destroying or removing a protected tree without a permit violates Section 16.90.040 and is enforceable under Section 16.90.140 through an administrative citation under Chapter 1.18 or public nuisance abatement under Chapter 1.36; the City will also refuse any grading permit, building permit, or certificate of occupancy for the lot until a tree permit covering the violation is obtained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Chino Hills?
What has to be submitted for a Chino Hills tree removal permit?
Can a hazardous tree be removed immediately without a Chino Hills permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chino Hills
California rules heatmap·Compare Chino Hills to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle tree removal & heritage trees.