Tree removal permit rules in San Diego County, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Tree removal in unincorporated San Diego County is regulated by the Resource Protection Ordinance and defensible space requirements. Significant native trees may require permits for removal. Trees in defensible space may need to be removed or pruned with branches 6 feet above ground. Stumps must be cut no higher than 8 inches.
The County's Resource Protection Ordinance protects significant native vegetation including oak trees and other native species in unincorporated areas. Removal of protected trees may require a site plan and mitigation through the County PDS permit process. In defensible space zones, trees that create fire hazards should be pruned with branches at least 6 feet above ground. Dead trees and those within Zone 0 (0-5 feet of structures) should be removed entirely. When trees are removed, stumps must be cut no higher than 8 inches above ground. New single-family residential projects must include at least two trees per dwelling unit in the landscape plan. Heritage trees (extremely old or large specimens) may have additional protections.
Unauthorized removal of protected native trees may result in fines, required replacement planting, and other mitigation measures. Failure to maintain defensible space including tree management carries separate penalties.
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See how San Diego County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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