San Bernardino County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Under Development Code Chapter 88.01 (Plant Protection and Management), a Tree or Plant Removal Permit issued under Section 88.01.050 is required before removing a regulated tree or plant in the unincorporated County. In the Mountain and Valley regions, regulated trees include any living native tree with a stem diameter of six inches or greater (about 19 inches in circumference) measured 4.5 feet above natural grade, plus heritage palm windrows (three or more palms in linear plantings 50 feet or longer) per Section 88.01.070. In the Desert region, all Joshua trees and other listed desert native plants are protected under Section 88.01.060. Several exemptions in Section 88.01.030 let owners remove trees without a permit, including: parcels with a net area of 20,000 square feet or less that are developed with a primary structure; regulated trees within 20 feet of a permitted structure; removal of two or fewer native trees per acre per year for private fuel wood in the Mountain or Valley regions; emergency removal of trees that are an immediate threat to health or safety; and removal required by a Fire Chief-approved fire-hazard reduction program. Commercial tree harvesting is prohibited except as authorized by the State under the Z'berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act. When required, the permit involves a plot plan identifying exactly which trees may be removed and may require certification from an arborist or registered professional forester.