Monterey County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

For ordinary, non-protected trees on private property in unincorporated Monterey County, routine maintenance pruning is allowed without a county permit. The significant limit comes from the County's protected-tree provisions. Under the inland zoning ordinance, Monterey County Code Section 21.64.260 (Preservation of Oak and Other Protected Trees), no person may remove, cut down, or trim more than one-third of the green foliage of, or otherwise kill or destroy, any protected tree until a tree-removal permit has been obtained. Protected species include coast live oak, valley oak, blue oak, black oak, Monterey cypress, native Monterey pine, and coast redwood. So aggressive crown reduction or topping of a protected oak or pine is treated like a removal and triggers permit review, while light maintenance pruning generally does not. In the Coastal Zone, separate Forest Resources standards under Title 20 (the Coastal Implementation Plan) apply, and work affecting native trees can require a Coastal Development Permit. Fire safety cuts the other way: County fuel-management guidance still expects dead wood to be removed from trees adjacent to or overhanging buildings, and CAL FIRE defensible-space thinning is generally accommodated. Owners planning heavy pruning of a mature oak, Monterey pine, or cypress should confirm with Monterey County HCD before cutting.