Riverside County, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- County Code Ch. 16.48
- Tree spacing
- ~60 feet apart
- Setback from driveways
- 10 feet minimum
- Security per tree
- $100.00
- Enforcement
- Transportation department
Summary
New land divisions in unincorporated Riverside County must plant street trees as a condition of approval, spaced roughly 60 feet apart with one tree per lot frontage.
The planting of street trees in connection with the development of new land divisions is desirable and shall be required as a condition of approval in Schedule "A," "B," "C," "D," "E," "F" and "G" land divisions unless otherwise exempted... Trees shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from driveways... Trees shall be spaced at approximately sixty (60) foot intervals or a minimum of one tree per lot frontage.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 84 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under County Code Chapter 16.48, most land divisions (Schedules A through G) must plant at least one street tree per parcel frontage before final building inspection. Trees must come from the county's approved list, sit at least 10 feet from driveways, space out at roughly 60-foot intervals, and be staked on the windward side. Corner lots need trees on both frontages. The land divider posts a $100-per-tree security with the transportation department, held for a one-year warranty period. Exemptions exist for bad soil, no water supply, traffic hazards, planned street widening, or trees already in place.
Violations & Fines
Building or grading permits require an executed tree-planting agreement and posted security first; failure to plant per the approved plan can hold up final building inspection and forfeit the $100-per-tree security until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside cities like Temecula or Corona?
Can a lot skip street tree planting?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside County
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.