Monterey, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Monterey County Code Chapter 16.60 (Title 16, Environment - Preservation of Oak and Other Protected Trees) and the parallel zoning provision MCC Section 21.64.260 require a Tree Removal Permit from the Housing and Community Development Department to remove protected native trees on private property in the unincorporated County. Protected species include coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), valley oak (Q. lobata), blue oak (Q. douglasii), black oak (Q. kelloggii), Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa), native Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), and coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). Section 21.64.260 prohibits removal of any oak six inches or more in diameter (measured two feet above ground) in Resource Conservation, Residential, Commercial, or Industrial-designated areas without a permit. 'Landmark' oaks - trees 24 inches or more in diameter, or visually/historically significant trees - cannot be removed in any area except by approval of the Director of Planning. Removal of three or fewer protected trees is processed administratively under MCC 16.60.040; removal of four or more requires a Use Permit (which may trigger CEQA review). In the Coastal Zone a Coastal Development Permit is also required (Title 20). Routine pruning and CAL FIRE-required defensible space thinning under Public Resources Code §4291 are generally exempt.