Pomona, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Under Sec. 5 feet above natural grade) that sit outside designated Historic Districts and have not been named a Specimen Tree. No one may trim, prune, cut, relocate or remove such an Oak without a Major or Minor Oak Tree Permit (OTP). Trimming needs only a Minor OTP, reviewed administratively by the Planning Manager and City Arborist; relocating or removing an Oak always requires a Major OTP, decided by the Planning Commission at a public hearing noticed at least 10 days out and mailed to owners and occupants within 400 feet.

A Major OTP application must include the reason for removal, tree species and diameter, a site plan, photographs, the proposed removal or relocation method, and any City Arborist verification that a tree is diseased or dying. The Commission must make six findings before approving removal, covering erosion control, conflicts with planned development, utility or street interference, and disease or fall risk. Approved permits are valid only 30 calendar days, with one 30-day extension available from the Planning Manager at no fee, and the permittee must request a final inspection within 72 hours of completing the work.

Limited exemptions exist for deadwood removal, nursery stock, railroad or Caltrans/County Flood Control property, and City Arborist-determined hazard trees. Removed residential Oaks must be replaced one-to-one with a minimum 24-inch box Oak; commercial, institutional or industrial removals require a 36-inch box replacement, planted on-site or paid into the City's tree mitigation fund if no planting location exists.