San Joaquin County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in San Joaquin County, 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 issuer
- Board of Supervisors
- Max fine
- $200
- Max jail
- 6 months
- Scope
- County highway right-of-way only
Summary
Cutting, removing, or destroying trees, shrubs, or other plants growing in a county highway right-of-way without a Board of Supervisors permit is a misdemeanor.
...who without a written permit from the Board of Supervisors wilfully or negligently cuts, destroys, mutilates, or removes any tree, shrub, fern, herb, bulb, cactus, flower, or huckleberry or redwood greens, or part of any of them, growing on any county highway right-of-way, or who removes leaf mold therefrom, shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars ($200) or by imprisonment in the County Jail for not more than six (6) months or by both.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Development Title: Supplement 3 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 10-5100 makes it a punishable offense for anyone, except state or local government road crews under supervision, to willfully or negligently cut, destroy, mutilate, or remove any tree, shrub, fern, herb, bulb, cactus, flower, or redwood/huckleberry greens growing on a county highway right-of-way, or to take leaf mold from it, without a written permit from the Board of Supervisors. Section 10-5101 exempts plants already declared a public nuisance, necessary trimming to protect utility lines, and licensed logging or fire-suppression work. The rule targets right-of-way vegetation, not trees on private property.
Violations & Fines
Removing right-of-way vegetation without a Board permit under Section 10-5100 is punishable by up to a $200 fine, up to six months in County Jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut down a tree growing along a county road?
Does this cover trees on my own property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Joaquin County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Joaquin County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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