Lake Elsinore, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Chapter 5.116 of the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code designates eight species as significant palms once they exceed five feet from the ground to the base of the crown: the Canary Island Date Palm, California Fan Palm, Windmill Palm, Mediterranean Fan Palm, Senegal Date Palm, Pindo Palm and Pygmy Palm. The City Council adopted the chapter after finding significant palms provide bird food and nesting habitat, collect airborne dust, resist drought, and in many locations stand as living reminders of the City's historical heritage. No significant palm within City limits may be removed or relocated without a permit from the Director of Community Services under 5.116.030.

An applicant files a notarized property-owner authorization, a surveyor's plan locating every significant palm on the parcel, species and height data, photographs, the removal method and equipment route, and, for a diseased or dying palm, a certified arborist's report. The Director weighs seven criteria under 5.116.060, including whether the palm blocks reasonable development, has declined beyond restoration, threatens to fall, obstructs sight lines or utilities, or whether removal would worsen erosion or drainage. Conditions on an approved permit can require City Hall-hours-only work, utility protection, frond removal, traffic control, a seven-day posted notice before removal, and replacement with like species and quantity.

No permit is required for palms damaged by a storm, flood, earthquake or fire and found dangerous by a peace officer, firefighter or Code Enforcement Officer, palms removed by firefighters actively fighting a fire, or licensed nursery stock. An aggrieved applicant has 10 days to file a written notice of appeal with the City Manager, whose decision is final.