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

52 of the Redlands City Code governs trees located on streets, parkways, medians and other public property, not private land generally. 140(A) makes it unlawful to plant, chemically spray, fertilize, preserve, prune, remove, cut or otherwise disturb any public tree without first obtaining a permit from the director of public works. Subsection (G), 'Prohibition Against Removal,' specifically bars removing a parkway or tree-lawn tree for construction or any other purpose without filing an application, obtaining the permit, and replacing the tree; the person removing it pays for both removal and replacement, and the replacement stock must match the species and placement standards set in the permit.

140(F) requires that where street paving or widening forces removal of a parkway tree, the city must replant or replace it, using stock at least fifteen (15) gallons in size if the original parkway cannot accommodate replanting. A permit fee set by city council resolution applies under subsection (H) unless the chapter waives it. The director may grant a permit under subsection (C) only if the work serves neighborhood aesthetics, addresses a verified health or safety concern such as disease, utility clearance, or accident damage, or is needed to implement an approved development project, and all work must meet International Society of Arboriculture standards.

150 exempts hazardous-tree removal ordered by police, fire, or the director in an emergency, and work by city crews or on projects with a pre-existing variance, conditional use permit, design review, or building permit. 060.