Chino Hills, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Public Works Director
- Parkway defined
- Curb back to right-of-way edge
- Removal deposit
- Estimated cost, paid upfront
- Appeal deadline
- 15 days to Director
- Governing chapter
- CHMC Chapter 12.26
Summary
Planting, removing, or relocating a City tree within a Chino Hills street parkway requires a permit from the Public Works Director under Municipal Code Chapter 12.26. The city sets planting standards and mitigation requirements, and a resident requesting removal must deposit the estimated cost upfront.
The following requirements shall apply to the relocation, removal or new planting of City trees within the parkway of a street:A.The Director, or his/her designee, is authorized and directed to prepare and file in his/her office standards and specifications for the planting, removal and relocation, including maintenance, of City trees within the parkways of public streets.B.Every person planting or arranging for the planting of City trees shall obtain a permit required by this chapter from the Director, or his/her designee and perform the work in accordance with established City standards and specifications.C.Every person removing or arranging for the removal, including relocation, of a City tree(s) shall obtain a permit required by this chapter from the Director and perform the work in accordance with City specifications and standards, including mitigation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 61).
Full Breakdown
020 as the area from the back of the curb to the edge of the right-of-way, to first get a permit from the Director and to do the work to the City's established standards and specifications, including mitigation for removals. 040(A)). 030, a property owner who wants a City tree removed and gets Director approval must first deposit the estimated cost of removal and replacement or mitigation; the Director refunds any excess after the work is done, and bills the owner for any shortfall within 90 days. 070). 060).
Violations & Fines
Injuring, defacing, or destroying a City tree without authorization, including piling material against it, pouring damaging substances near it, or attaching a sign to it, is a misdemeanor under CHMC § 12.26.110, with each tree removed in violation charged as a separate offense. A denied permit applicant may appeal to the Public Works Director within 15 days, then to the City Manager, whose decision is final (§ 12.26.120).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in the parkway in front of my Chino Hills house myself?
Who pays to remove a City tree I don't want?
What happens if I damage a City tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chino Hills
California rules heatmap·Compare Chino Hills to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle parkway planting.