Tree removal permit rules in Palm Springs, 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.
Palm Springs protects street trees and specific heritage/desert species. Removing a tree from the public right-of-way or a protected species requires a permit from Public Works or Planning. Most private non-protected trees on single-family lots can be removed without a permit, but replacement may be required for trees counted toward a landscape plan.
Under PSMC Chapter 8.16 and related Planning ordinances, trees in the public right-of-way (parkway strips, medians, parks) are city property and cannot be removed by residents; Public Works handles removal and usually requires a 2:1 replacement. Trees originally installed to satisfy a landscape plan approved under PSMC Chapter 8.70 (Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance) or a development condition cannot be removed without a revised landscape plan and Planning Department sign-off. Certain heritage and protected desert species receive additional scrutiny. For ordinary private trees on developed single-family lots that were not counted toward a landscape approval, homeowners may generally remove them without a permit. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees are exempt but require documentation. Commercial and multifamily properties face stricter review. Removal should also respect federal and state nesting-bird protections from roughly February through August; arborists can issue a pre-work survey.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Palm Springs code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs restricts amplified music at residential properties, vacation rentals, and outdoor spaces under PSMC Ch. 11.74 with strict nighttime decibel lim...
Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs enforces California Vehicle Code Β§22651 and Β§22669 and Palm Springs Municipal Code Chapter 12 to remove abandoned vehicles from streets and priv...
Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs does not impose a citywide ban on overnight on-street parking in residential neighborhoods, but the 72-hour stationary limit under Palm Springs ...
Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs requires a building permit and engineered plans for any retaining wall over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top...
Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs defers to California Civil Code Β§841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) for shared boundary fences. Adjoining property owners are presumed to benefit equ...
Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs enforces California Building Code Appendix V and Health & Safety Code Β§115920β115929 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act) requiring barriers at least ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Palm Springs'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.