Tree removal permit rules in Orange County, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
OCCO Zoning Code Section 7-9-69 establishes the Protected Tree Ordinance for unincorporated Orange County. Protected trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 5 inches or more cannot be removed without a Protected Tree Removal or Damage Permit. Replacement ratios of at least 5:1 apply.
Under OCCO Section 7-9-69, no person shall cut, destroy, remove, inflict damage, or encroach into the protected zone of any Protected Tree species measuring 5 inches or more DBH (diameter at 4.5 feet above average natural grade). For multi-trunk trees, the threshold is a combined circumference of 23.6 inches for any two trunks (equivalent to 7.5 inches combined DBH). The ordinance applies to all lots and parcels in unincorporated Orange County. A Protected Tree Removal or Damage Permit is required from OC Development Services. Replacement trees must consist exclusively of indigenous protected tree species of the same genus and shall be planted at a minimum ratio of 5 replacement trees for every 1 tree removed. The county does not assume maintenance responsibility but property owners must maintain protected trees at their own expense.
Unauthorized removal of protected trees may result in significant fines, required replacement plantings at 5:1 ratio, and potential criminal misdemeanor charges. Property owners remain liable for damage caused by failure to maintain protected trees.
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See how Orange County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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