Murrieta, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Murrieta Municipal Code Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places) governs trees in the public right-of-way. Residents may not top, cut, or substantially prune a city parkway tree without authorization from Public Works; unauthorized trimming can result in replacement costs being charged back to the property owner. For private property, Murrieta does not maintain a comprehensive tree preservation ordinance comparable to Temecula's, but native oak trees (Quercus agrifolia, Quercus engelmannii) on undeveloped or hillside parcels may be protected under the General Plan Conservation Element and the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). Trimming that removes more than 25 percent of a protected oak canopy may require a biological review. Utility-line clearance trimming is performed by Southern California Edison under CPUC General Order 95 and does not require city permits. During declared fire weather, the Murrieta Fire & Rescue Department may order hazardous limb removal under the defensible space program. HOAs in Murrieta (administered under Civil Code section 4000 et seq.) often have stricter rules, including mandatory trimming schedules and approved arborist lists.