Chula Vista, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Tree Removal Permit Application. A Tree Removal Permit is required if your tree is: Within any city parkway, between the sidewalk and the street; The designated street tree species within a Tree Plaining and Maintenance Easement; Located in any other right-of-way. Criteria for granting tree removal permits: The City of Chula Vista promotes preservation of mature healthy trees whenever possible. A tree removal permit will be considered for approval only if the tree: Is still functional but in a slow decline, and has a relatively short life expectancy; Is a perpetual host to diseases/insects that endanger other trees and/or property; Is overcrowded by neighboring trees; Makes reasonable development or improvement of the property impossible; Makes reasonable enjoyment of a structure or utility, which was in place before the tree was planted, impossible, or; Has been damaged to the extent that it cannot be feasibly restored to a reasonably attractive condition. Permit Requirements: All stumps must be ground to a minimum of 12 inches depth and grindings removed. Property/homeowner will pay a qualified, licensed and insured contractor for removal of the tree, stump and surface roots. Owner is responsible for notifying DigAlert underground utility locators (dial 811) at least 2 days prior to stump grinding or excavation. Owner is responsible for any damage to utilities resulting from tree removal.