Corona, CA Tree Protection: Tree Ordinances (2026)

Corona does not consolidate its tree regulations into a single chapter but distributes them across multiple code titles. Title 12 governs street trees, public right-of-way plantings, and trees in city parks. Title 17 zoning includes landscape requirements for new development, tree screening between zones, parking lot shade requirements, and tree preservation in hillside areas. Hillside Development Standards in Title 17 require slope stabilization plantings and protect existing native vegetation including oaks, sycamores, and willows. The city's Master Street Tree Plan provides species selection guidance for each street and corridor. Corona has earned Tree City USA recognition annually since the early 2000s, requiring at least 2% of the general fund to be spent on urban forestry, an active tree board, and an Arbor Day observance. Permits are administered through Public Works for street trees and Community Development for landscape modifications. Penalties for violations including unauthorized removal of required trees, damaging street trees during construction, and failure to replace removed trees range from administrative fines to liability for full replacement costs of mature specimens.