Highland, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Highland Municipal Code § 16.64.040 protects heritage trees on private property in the City of Highland. The Development Code defines a heritage tree as a live tree, shrub, or plant that is a woody plant more than 15 feet in height with a single trunk circumference of 24 inches or more, or a multitrunk tree with a total circumference of 30 inches or more, both measured four and one-half feet above ground level. A stand of trees that depend on each other for survival also counts, as does any other tree the community development director or designee deems historically or culturally significant because of size, condition, location, or aesthetic qualities.

No person, firm, or corporation, including an applicant for a building permit, can remove, relocate or destroy a heritage tree without a tree removal permit from the community development director. On a lot tied to a development proposal, no permit issues until all discretionary approvals have been obtained from the City. A tree designated as an historic landmark also needs a landmark alteration permit, and the historic preservation board reviews the request and makes a recommendation.

The application goes to the community development director with any fee set by City Council resolution. It must carry a report stating the reasons for removal, the number, species, size and height of the tree, a plot plan, and the proposed method of removal and disposal. A tree declared diseased, infested, or dying needs a written report from a qualified tree expert. The director weighs the tree's condition, the need to build improvements, the effect on neighborhood character and property values, whether pruning or relocation could save the tree, and whether it is a significant natural resource of the City. Adjoining property owners receive notice at least 10 calendar days before a decision on a development-related request.

A permit takes effect after a 10-calendar-day appeal period and is valid for 90 calendar days, subject to extension. Cut trees, debris and litter must be cleaned up within two weeks. Exempt from the section are nursery stock, trees the city engineer finds will damage public improvements, trees removed under a fire department hazard reduction program, and trees on lots of 20,000 square feet or less developed with a primary structure other than a sign structure. Fruit or nut bearing trees are exempt except in groves, where removal needs a tree removal permit and a soil erosion control plan approved by the city engineer. An emergency waiver applies to dangerous trees, and the community development director must be notified within five calendar days of an emergency removal.