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

Section 12.04.040 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code covers trees, shrubs and plants upon any street, parkway or public place of the city. No one can cut, trim, plant, prune, remove, injure or interfere with them without prior permission and approval from the director of public works. The director grants permission at his discretion and can condition it on replacement of any removed tree with the type designated for the street and meeting the director's specifications, plus any other conditions appropriate in the circumstances. Permission expires thirty days after issuance.

Abutting owners, and anyone maintaining overhead wires, pipes or underground conduits or proposing to erect, repair, alter or remove a building or structure, can file a written request for a permit under § 12.04.050. The director can require a written agreement to pay the cost and to do the work as stipulated before issuing it. Section 12.04.020 also lets the director authorize removal or pruning of a street tree that interferes with a driveway, sidewalk, curb or other construction, is dead, creates a hazard to public safety, or does not conform to the designated variety.

Interference is separately barred. No one can interfere with the director or persons acting under his authority while planting, pruning, trimming or removing street trees (§ 12.04.060), and no one can attach wire, rope, signs, paint or other injurious things to them without written permission (§ 12.04.080). Determinations can be appealed in writing to the city manager within twenty days after mailing of written notice, and then to the city council, whose decision is final (§§ 12.04.110 and 12.04.120). This section governs trees on streets, parkways and public places. For private plantings that overhang the street, see § 12.04.100, which lets the city order hazardous plantings trimmed or removed.