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

Rancho Cucamonga protects its tree canopy through Municipal Code Chapter 19.08 (Tree Preservation Ordinance) and windrow preservation policies tied to the citys vineyard and citrus agricultural heritage. Heritage trees, defined as mature native species including coast live oak, California sycamore, California black walnut, and specimen trees identified on the Heritage Tree List, cannot be removed without a Tree Removal Permit from Planning. Eucalyptus windrows along designated street frontages, including along Haven Avenue, Hermosa Avenue, and parts of Base Line, are preservation features and require a windrow removal permit even on private property. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees can be removed with arborist documentation and a streamlined permit, often same-day. Non-heritage trees on private property generally can be removed without a permit, but the city encourages replacement plantings. Parkway trees require a Public Works removal permit regardless of species. Permit applications generally include a site plan, photos, arborist report for mature trees, and a replacement planting plan. Illegal removal can trigger fines of several thousand dollars plus appraised value replacement under Municipal Code and Civil Code 3346 willful damage provisions.