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

The City of Fontana regulates tree removal based on ownership and location. Trees growing entirely on private residential property are generally not subject to a removal permit; owners can remove them at will, and most hire a licensed contractor (C-61/D-49 Tree Service or C-27 Landscaping) to do the work safely. Any tree planted in the parkway, on city-owned open space, or on city street right-of-way is municipal property and cannot be removed without written permission from Public Works. Unauthorized removal of a city tree can result in a replacement cost of 500 to several thousand dollars per tree plus penalties, calculated by International Society of Arboriculture trunk-formula appraisal. For new commercial, industrial, or subdivision development, Fontana Planning reviews landscape plans and often requires preservation or replacement of significant trees as a condition of approval; native oaks and western sycamores may trigger additional mitigation under the California Environmental Quality Act. HOA communities, particularly in North Fontana and Hunters Ridge, commonly impose their own tree preservation covenants that are separate from city code. Always call Underground Service Alert at 811 before excavating a stump. Debris must be disposed of in the green waste cart, taken to a permitted facility, or hauled by a licensed C-27 contractor - open burning is not allowed.