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

080(C) defines a heritage tree as any single-family residential tree over 30 feet tall with a 20-inch-plus trunk diameter at breast height, a multi-family or mixed-use tree over 15 feet with the same diameter, a commercial, industrial or institutional tree over 8 feet with that diameter, any multi-trunk tree totaling 30 inches or more DBH, a codependent stand of trees, or any tree the planning director deems historically or culturally significant. 080(D)(1) bars removing, relocating, topping by more than 25% of original height, or destroying a heritage tree, including by a building permit applicant, without first getting the permit.

The planning director may require an arborist report at the applicant's expense before deciding, and if the applicant proves the tree is dead the permit is still required but the fee is waived under subsection (D)(5). No permit issues for a tree tied to a development proposal until all discretionary city approvals are obtained, absent an emergency waiver. If more than five trees are proposed for removal, adjacent property owners get at least ten days' notice and an opportunity to comment before a decision. Exemptions cover fruit or nut trees, licensed nursery stock, trees blocking required sightlines or damaging public improvements or utility lines, diseased park trees, and trees in a designated urban wildlife interface area.

A denial or condition may be appealed; historic-landmark trees additionally need a certificate of appropriateness from the historic preservation commission, appealable to the city council. A dangerous tree posing an immediate threat can be removed under an emergency waiver, including by any fire district member without a permit.