San Diego County, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 9302
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Coastal Zone only
- Native tree replacement ratio
- 1:1 (oak, walnut, sycamore)
- Wetland mitigation ratio
- 4:1
- Enforcing agency
- Planning & Development Services
Summary
In the unincorporated Coastal Zone, county rules bar development that disrupts sensitive habitat unless no feasible alternative exists, and require removed native oak, walnut, and sycamore trees to be replaced one-for-one with a comparable-size tree.
impacts to ESHA shall be prohibited, except where no other feasible alternative exists. Where ESHA impacts are permitted in accordance with the Coastal Act, adverse impacts will be mitigated at the following ratios: i. 1:1 for native tree replacement (e.g. oaks, walnut, sycamore), for a tree of comparable size
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
San Diego County's Zoning Ordinance Section 9302 requires every discretionary coastal development permit in the unincorporated Coastal Zone to be sited and designed to avoid impacts to Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA). Impacts are prohibited unless the applicant shows no feasible alternative exists, and any impact the County does approve must be mitigated, including replacing removed native trees such as oaks, walnut, and sycamore at a 1:1 ratio with a tree of comparable size, alongside 4:1 mitigation for wetlands and 3:1 for other riparian or listed-species habitat. Planning & Development Services reviews the required biological survey and mitigation plan before issuing the coastal permit.
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging ESHA vegetation, including protected native trees, without an approved coastal permit and mitigation plan violates Section 9302; Planning & Development Services can require restoration, replacement trees, and can deny or condition the permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this native-tree rule apply outside the Coastal Zone?
Which trees count as protected native trees here?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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