Perris, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Perris, 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
- Permit issuer
- Director of public works
- Tree removal/trim fee
- $1.00 (§ 12.12.050)
- Utility line trimming
- Exempt if franchised
- Removal condition
- May require tree replacement
Summary
Perris requires a permit from the director of public works before anyone removes or severely trims a tree growing in a city street right-of-way or on other city property.
No person, firm, corporation, public agency or political subdivision shall remove or severely trim any tree planted in the right-of-way of any city street or on city property without first obtaining a permit from the director of public works to do so. Such permit shall be issued after payment of the fee provided in this chapter, if the director of public works is satisfied that such removal or trimming is in the public interest or is necessary for the improvement of the street or right-of-way or the construction of improvements on adjacent land. He may impose such conditions as he deems reasonable or necessary, including requirements for the work to be done only by a qualified tree surgeon or tree trimmer actually engaged in the business, and for bond, insurance or other security to protect persons and property from injury or damage. The provisions limiting trimming of trees shall not apply to any public utility maintaining overhead power or communication lines pursuant to franchise, where necessary to prevent interference of a tree with such installation. A permit for removal of a tree may be conditioned upon its relocation or replacement by one or more other trees of a kind or type to be specified in the permit.
(Code 1972, § 12.12.030; Ord. No. 308, § 3, 1967)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Perris Municipal Code § 12.12.030 bars removing or severely trimming any tree planted in a city street right-of-way or on city property without a permit from the director of public works, issued after the $1.00 fee (§ 12.12.050) if the removal or trimming serves the public interest or is needed for street improvements or adjacent construction. The director can require the work be done by a qualified tree surgeon, and can condition a removal permit on replanting a replacement tree. Utility companies trimming around franchised power or communication lines are exempt. Separately, Perris's urban forestry program (Chapter 19.71) designates certain heritage and specimen trees, including some on private property, as protected, with their own removal review by the urban forestry board.
Violations & Fines
Removing or trimming a covered tree without a permit is an infraction punishable under Perris Municipal Code § 1.16.010 (§ 12.16.010).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a tree in the parkway in front of my Perris home?
Does the permit cost anything?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Perris
California rules heatmap·Compare Perris to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle tree removal & heritage trees.