Tree removal permit rules in Palm Springs, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — 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.
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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.
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