Orange, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Orange, CA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Parcel >0.5 acre with 6+ trees
- Regulated tree size
- 10.5-inch trunk circumference
- Permit authority
- Director of Public Works
- Max penalty
- $500 fine and/or 6 months jail
- Appeal window
- 10 days to City Council
- Emergency removal
- Police or Fire may authorize
Summary
Destroying or removing a qualifying tree from undeveloped land in Orange, larger than half an acre with more than six trees, requires a City permit under the Tree Preservation chapter, with denial, replacement conditions and misdemeanor penalties for skipping the process.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation or other legal entity whatever, to destroy or remove any tree as defined in Section 12.32.020 from undeveloped or public interest property as defined in Sections 12.32.040 and 12.32.050 without a permit as provided herein. ... 'tree' means any live plant which has a single trunk measuring 10.5 inches in circumference, measured at a point 24 inches above the ground level. ... The particular parcel of real property either before or after any proposed real property division contains more than one-half acre after dedication of all public rights-of-way. ... More than six trees, as defined in Section 12.32.020, exist on the real property either before or after any proposed division of such real property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4796775; v10 updated 2026-01-27).
Full Breakdown
32 (Tree Preservation) makes it unlawful to destroy or remove a qualifying tree from 'undeveloped' or 'public interest' property without a permit. 5 inches in circumference, measured 24 inches above the ground. 040 means a parcel that, before or after any proposed division, is larger than one-half acre after dedication of rights-of-way and carries more than six qualifying trees. 070: the tree's health and fall risk, its proximity to structures and utilities, the effect of removal on erosion and drainage, the density and character of trees in the surrounding neighborhood and the effect on property values, and how many healthy trees the parcel can still support. 090). 100). 110).
Violations & Fines
Removing a tree without the required permit, or violating a permit's terms or conditions, is a misdemeanor under Section 12.32.130, punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00, imprisonment in the County Jail for up to six months, or both. A decision by the City Manager or designated representative under the chapter may be appealed to the City Council in writing within 10 days of the decision (or within seven days for a Council member's own appeal), stating the grounds for appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Orange's tree removal permit apply to a tree in my backyard?
How big does a tree have to be before a removal permit is required?
What is the penalty for removing a protected tree in Orange without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange
California rules heatmap·Compare Orange to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle tree removal & heritage trees.