San Diego County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Unincorporated San Diego County never adopted a comprehensive heritage-tree protection ordinance for private property; a proposed tree ordinance was set aside after objections from backcountry and agricultural residents. As a result, removing a healthy ornamental tree on your own lot generally does not require a county permit. However, several county rules can apply. Trees in the county road right-of-way require a Department of Public Works tree permit (County Code Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 5). Removal of native trees and vegetation within sensitive resources is restricted by the County Resource Protection Ordinance (RPO), which protects wetlands, floodways and floodplains, steep slopes, and sensitive habitat lands (RPO findings at County Code section 86.603); clearing in these areas, or on parcels with an open-space easement, can require discretionary review and mitigation. Land-clearing and vegetation removal can also trigger the County's Grading, Clearing, and Watercourses Ordinance and, for native habitat, a Habitat Loss Permit. Defensible-space rules separately require removing dead, dying, and diseased trees near structures. Because the controlling rule depends on the tree's location and habitat value, owners should confirm with County Planning & Development Services before removing native trees or clearing more than a small area.