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

Section 16.64.040 says no person, firm or corporation can remove, relocate or destroy any heritage tree within the city limits, including an applicant for a building permit, without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the community development director. HMC § 16.06.080 defines a heritage tree as a woody plant over 15 feet in height with a single trunk circumference of 24 inches or more measured four and one-half feet above ground, a multitrunk tree with a total circumference of 30 inches or more, a stand of trees dependent on one another for survival, or any other tree the director deems historically or culturally significant.

Exemptions include fruit or nut bearing trees (with grove rules: a permit not earlier than grading permits and a city engineer-approved soil erosion control plan with bonds), nursery stock, trees the city engineer requires cleared for line of sight or finds damaging to public improvements, utility protection work, removals under a fire hazard reduction program approved by the fire department, and trees on lots with a net area of 20,000 square feet or less that are developed with a primary structure. The director can waive the permit for an emergency, and the director must be notified within five calendar days of an emergency removal.

The application goes to the director with the fee set by council resolution and a report covering the reasons for removal, the number, species, size and height of the trees, a plot plan, the method of removal and disposal, and a qualified tree expert's written report for any tree declared diseased, infested or dying. The director weighs tree condition, the need to build improvements, the neighborhood tree count and character, specific-plan or landmark status, whether pruning or relocation could save the tree, and whether it is a significant natural resource. When the removal is tied to development, adjoining owners get notice at least 10 calendar days before the decision, and no permit issues until all discretionary approvals are obtained.

A permit becomes effective after the 10-calendar-day appeal period and is valid for 90 calendar days. On private property not tied to development, an extension request is due 14 days before expiration. Removal requires replacement at a ratio of two to one, and cut trees and debris must leave the site within two weeks.