Tree removal permit rules in San Luis Obispo County, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
SLO County Code Section 22.56.030 (Tree Preservation) requires permits to remove native trees on most parcels, with special protections for native oaks. Cambria's Monterey pine forest has additional protections, and coastal tree removal is governed by Title 23 with potential Coastal Development Permit requirements.
Title 22, Chapter 22.56 (Tree Preservation) of the SLO County Code requires a tree removal permit for native trees on most parcels in the inland area. Native oaks (coast live oak, valley oak, blue oak) are particularly protected and removal generally requires planting replacement trees that provide equivalent shade, screening, solar efficiency, or visual amenity within a 10-year period, certified by a registered landscape architect, licensed landscaping contractor, or certified nurseryman. In the Coastal Zone, Title 23 applies and removal of Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) trees, including Monterey pines in Cambria's globally rare native pine forest, can require a Coastal Development Permit. Hazardous tree removal for imminent safety threats can proceed without a permit but must be documented. Agricultural tree removal in commercial agriculture zones has separate rules.
Unpermitted tree removal is a code violation subject to fines, mandatory replacement plantings at higher ratios (often 3:1 or more), and potential restoration orders. Coastal Zone violations are also subject to California Coastal Commission enforcement.
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See how San Luis Obispo County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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