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Riverside County, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Elevation threshold
Above 5,000 feet
Parcel size
Over one-half acre
Permit authority
Planning director
Decision timeline
60 calendar days
Appeal path
Planning commission, then supervisors

Summary

Removing a living native tree above 5,000 feet elevation on a parcel over half an acre requires a planning director permit in unincorporated Riverside County: cutting, poisoning, or over-pruning one without approval is illegal.

City-specific rules exist: Murrieta, and Temecula have their own protected tree species rules that differ from Riverside County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

No person shall remove any living native tree on any parcel or property greater than one-half acre in size, located in an area above five thousand (5,000) feet in elevation and within the unincorporated area of the county, without first obtaining a permit to do so, unless exempted by the provisions of Section 12.24.040.

View official code

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

Riverside County requires a planning director permit before removing a living native tree, at least 30 feet tall and 12 inches in diameter, on parcels over half an acre above 5,000 feet elevation, and only in the unincorporated county. Applications need a CEQA assessment and the Ordinance 671 fee; the director has 60 days to approve, condition, or deny, with appeal rights to the planning commission and board of supervisors. Exemptions cover dead, hazardous, or federally/state-owned trees and trees within 20 feet of an approved structure. Riverside, Temecula, and Palm Springs run their own separate tree codes.

Violations & Fines

Violators face the penalties in County Ordinance No. 725 (Chapter 1.16) and must plant a replacement five-gallon nursery tree of the same species within six months for every tree illegally removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply inside Riverside city limits?
No: this permit only applies in unincorporated Riverside County; Riverside, Temecula, Palm Springs and other incorporated cities regulate trees under their own municipal codes.
What counts as a protected native tree?
Any native species at least 30 feet tall and 12 inches in diameter measured 4.5 feet above ground, including reforestation-program species.
Can I remove a tree without a permit?
Only if it's dead, hazardous, on federal or state land, or within 20 feet of an approved structure: otherwise you need planning director approval first.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Riverside County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParkway PlantingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsSome Restrictions

All Riverside County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California tree protection overview

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Protected Tree Species in Cities Across Riverside County

Riverside, CAMoreno Valley, CACorona, CATemecula, CAMurrieta, CAPalm Springs, CAJurupa Valley, CAMenifee, CA