Tree removal permit rules in Costa Mesa, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Unincorporated Orange County has not adopted a general native-tree preservation ordinance, so most private tree removal needs no county permit. A draft Protected Tree framework would require permits and 5:1 replacement, but it remains a proposal limited to large parcels in specific-plan canyon areas.
Orange County is notably the only county in the six-county SCAG region without adopted native-tree protections, according to local advocates and county reporting. As a result, there is no general countywide requirement to obtain a permit before removing a tree on most private property in the unincorporated area. The County did develop a draft 'Protected Tree' framework as part of the 'Orange is the New Green' Zoning Code update. As drafted, it would protect native species (single trunk 5 inches or more in diameter at breast height, measured 4.5 feet above grade; multi-trunk trees where any two trunks combine to 23.6 inches circumference), prohibit cutting, removing, or damaging them without a 'Protected Tree Removal or Damage Permit,' and require replacement at a minimum 5:1 ratio with a 10-year establishment period. However, that draft applies only to parcels of 20,000 square feet or larger in the Silverado-Modjeska and Foothill/Trabuco specific-plan canyon areas, excludes the Coastal Zone and state parks, and has not been adopted as a general countywide ordinance. Owners removing large native trees in canyon/specific-plan areas should confirm current rules with OC Public Works before cutting. Separately, fire abatement may require removal of dead and dying trees.
For most unincorporated parcels there is no county tree-removal penalty. Under the draft protected-tree framework (not generally adopted), unpermitted removal would be a public nuisance carrying infraction fines escalating to $5,000 per tree and civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation, with each tree a separate offense. These figures come from the draft and are not in force countywide.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Costa Mesa's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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