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

Eastvale's original tree chapter, EMC Chapter 12.24, was repealed by Ordinance No. 2014-09 and now reads 'Reserved,' so there is no codified private-property tree-removal permit scheme in the municipal code. For trees on private land, the controlling rules are in the nuisance code: EMC Sec. 8.18.030(a)(19) requires removal or remediation of 'dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees,' and Sec. 8.18.030(a)(18) addresses overgrown or unhealthy trees. This means homeowners generally may remove healthy private trees without a city tree permit, though a separate building or grading permit can apply if removal is tied to construction or significant grading. Public trees are treated very differently. The city adopted an urgency tree ordinance (Ordinance No. 2016-08, December 14, 2016) that established a Tree Board and maintenance requirements for trees in public rights-of-way, parkway trees and park trees. Because those trees are on city-controlled property, removing or altering them requires city authorization and a right-of-way/encroachment permit through Public Works. For new development, the Zoning Code (EMC Sec. 120.05.040(b)(2)) directs that existing trees be preserved whenever it is practical to do so. Residents removing larger trees may still need to verify there is no protected habitat or nesting-bird issue under separate state and federal wildlife law.