Costa Mesa, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 15-138
- Nomination
- Voluntary, by property owner
- Listing approval
- Majority vote of city council
- Review body
- Parks, Recreation Facilities & Parkways Commission
- Exempt entities
- Public utility companies (§ 15-139)
Summary
Costa Mesa lets any property owner voluntarily nominate a tree for the city's landmark tree list based on historical, rare-species, or unique-form value; placement requires a majority vote of the city council after review by the parks, recreation facilities and parkways commission, but the program does not force private owners to preserve a tree.
It is the intent of this chapter to establish regulations for the voluntary nomination for the preservation of landmark trees within the city, and to encourage property owners to retain as many of their own trees as possible, consistent with the purpose hereof. It is not the intent of this chapter to prevent the use of private property for the normal purposes allowed in the zoning ordinances, consistent with this chapter. ... Placement of a tree or stand of trees on the landmark tree list shall require a majority vote of city council.
Full Breakdown
Section 15-138 establishes Costa Mesa's landmark tree program as voluntary: its stated intent is to encourage property owners to keep their own trees where consistent with the chapter's purpose, and it explicitly does not intend to prevent normal use of private property allowed under the zoning ordinance. A tree or stand of trees qualifies for the landmark list if it meets one or more of four criteria: historical significance; rarity due to species, size, color or blossoms; unique form or shape contributing to the community skyline; or likely future visual, cultural or historical significance.
Qualifying trees are documented with photographs, horticultural information and location, displayed at city hall. Any Costa Mesa property owner may voluntarily apply to the parks, recreation facilities and parkways commission to place a tree on the list; the commission decides by majority vote, or the city council on appeal, but actual placement on the landmark list requires a majority vote of the full city council, which can also reverse or modify a prior listing decision. Decisions of the commission and the director of public services under this section are appealable to the city council under Chapter IX of Title 2.
Section 15-139 exempts public utility companies from the entire chapter's requirements, and section 15-125 gives the parks, recreation facilities and parkways commission authority over landmark tree nominations and removals for city council adoption.
Violations & Fines
Interfering with, cutting, mutilating, damaging or removing a landmark or right-of-way tree without authorization is unlawful under section 15-140 and, per section 15-142, is charged as an infraction punishable under the citywide penalty section 1-33: up to $100 for a first violation, escalating to $500 for repeat violations within a year, or prosecution as a misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000 and six months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Costa Mesa force a homeowner to preserve a landmark tree?
What qualifies a tree for Costa Mesa's landmark tree list?
Who approves adding a tree to Costa Mesa's landmark tree list?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Costa Mesa
California rules heatmap·Compare Costa Mesa to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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