Tree removal permit rules in Yorba Linda, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Yorba Linda has a real tree-preservation ordinance in Municipal Code Chapter 16.08. Removing a tree in the public right-of-way, or on a vacant lot during building or grading, requires a Community Development Director permit. District (LMAD) trees also need city permission, and removed LMAD trees must be replaced.
Under Yorba Linda Municipal Code Title 16, Chapter 16.08 (Tree Preservation), no person may cut down, destroy, or remove a tree in the public right-of-way without a Community Development Director permit, and no person may remove a tree on an individual vacant lot without a permit issued with any required building, excavation, or grading permit. The ordinance recites that the city's historic trees and orchards were lost to development. In deciding a permit, the Director weighs the tree's condition (disease, health, danger of falling), proximity to structures and utilities, and the effect on erosion, soil retention, and surface-water flow. For LMAD trees, the district replaces lost trees with up to three 24-inch boxed trees under Policy E-3.
Removing a protected right-of-way, vacant-lot, or LMAD tree without the required permit or permission violates Chapter 16.08 and city policy. The city states it will pursue all appropriate legal remedies, which may include citations, required replacement plantings, and cost recovery.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Yorba Linda Municipal Code Chapter 12.20 sets park hours: all City parks are open for public use from sunrise to sunset, except lighted parks governed by ado...
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Yorba Linda's Zoning Code (Chapter 18.10) prohibits light trespass by requiring outdoor fixtures to be aimed or shielded so direct illumination does not spil...
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Yorba Linda's residential lighting standards (Zoning Code Chapter 18.10) require outdoor light fixtures, except street lamps, to be aimed or shielded so dire...
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Garage sale signs in Yorba Linda are temporary signs regulated under Zoning Code Chapter 18.24. Temporary signs face short display-duration limits, material ...
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Yorba Linda regulates political and other noncommercial signs content-neutrally under Zoning Code Chapter 18.24. The code states its intent to respect First ...
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Yorba Linda has no separate tiny-home ordinance; a tiny house on a permanent foundation is regulated as a dwelling or ADU under Chapter 18.20, Article IX, wh...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
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