Tree removal permit rules in Mission Viejo, CA β sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances β list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
OCCO Zoning Code Section 7-9-69 establishes the Protected Tree Ordinance for unincorporated Orange County. Protected trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 5 inches or more cannot be removed without a Protected Tree Removal or Damage Permit. Replacement ratios of at least 5:1 apply.
Under OCCO Section 7-9-69, no person shall cut, destroy, remove, inflict damage, or encroach into the protected zone of any Protected Tree species measuring 5 inches or more DBH (diameter at 4.5 feet above average natural grade). For multi-trunk trees, the threshold is a combined circumference of 23.6 inches for any two trunks (equivalent to 7.5 inches combined DBH). The ordinance applies to all lots and parcels in unincorporated Orange County. A Protected Tree Removal or Damage Permit is required from OC Development Services. Replacement trees must consist exclusively of indigenous protected tree species of the same genus and shall be planted at a minimum ratio of 5 replacement trees for every 1 tree removed. The county does not assume maintenance responsibility but property owners must maintain protected trees at their own expense.
Unauthorized removal of protected trees may result in significant fines, required replacement plantings at 5:1 ratio, and potential criminal misdemeanor charges. Property owners remain liable for damage caused by failure to maintain protected trees.
Mission Viejo, CA
Mission Viejo uses a nuisance-based noise standard rather than fixed decibel limits for most residential situations. The General Plan Noise Element establish...
Mission Viejo, CA
Mission Viejo is not within the primary noise contour of any major airport. The nearest commercial airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), approximately 15 mile...
Mission Viejo, CA
Outdoor music in Mission Viejo must not be audible beyond property boundaries at levels that disturb neighbors. The city hosts outdoor concerts at the Lake a...
Mission Viejo, CA
Mission Viejo does not have a citywide overnight parking ban on public streets, but the 72-hour storage limit applies. Most HOA communities restrict or prohi...
Mission Viejo, CA
Mission Viejo generally allows street parking but restricts it in certain areas through posted signage. The 72-hour vehicle storage limit on public streets i...
Mission Viejo, CA
Mission Viejo actively enforces abandoned vehicle regulations on public streets and private property. Vehicles that are inoperable, unregistered, or parked f...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Mission Viejo's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.