San Bernardino County, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 3+ palm trees, 50+ ft row
- Permit
- Tree or Plant Removal Permit required
- Penalty
- $500-$1,000 fine or 6 months jail
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Mountain & Valley Regions
Summary
San Bernardino County classifies three or more palm trees planted in a linear windrow or parkway row 50 feet or longer as heritage trees, requiring a Tree or Plant Removal Permit before removal in the unincorporated Mountain and Valley Regions.
(2) Palm Trees. Three or more palm trees in linear plantings, which are 50 feet or greater in length within established windrows or parkway plantings, shall be considered to be heritage trees and shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter regarding native trees.
Full Breakdown
San Bernardino County's Development Code protects native and heritage trees on unincorporated land in the Mountain and Valley Regions. A planting of three or more palm trees set in a windrow or parkway row 50 feet or longer qualifies as a heritage tree grouping and falls under the same removal controls as regulated native trees. Anyone wanting to cut, damage, or remove qualifying palms must first obtain a Tree or Plant Removal Permit from the County; removing trees without one triggers misdemeanor penalties under the Development Code's enforcement chapter, plus a court-ordered replacement program using a certified Tree Expert.
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging a heritage palm windrow without a Tree or Plant Removal Permit is a misdemeanor: $500-$1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, per tree removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a heritage tree in San Bernardino County?
Do I need a permit to remove a heritage palm windrow?
What happens if I remove one without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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