Palm Springs' tree ordinances combine urban forestry rules, historic preservation, and desert-adapted landscape mandates. They regulate public and private tree removal, pruning near power lines, planting setbacks, and prohibited invasive species.
Tree ordinances in Palm Springs are scattered across Municipal Code Chapter 8 (Health and Safety), Chapter 9 (Zoning), and Chapter 12 (Streets and Sidewalks). Key provisions include: requirement for permits to remove protected and public-right-of-way trees; heritage designation for palms, mesquite, and oasis species; mandatory replacement ratios; prohibited invasive species list (tamarisk, giant reed/Arundo donax, eucalyptus in new planting); pruning standards that prohibit hat-racking and aggressive topping; setback rules keeping trees at least 5 feet from sidewalks, 10 feet from streetlights, and 20 feet from intersections to preserve sight triangles; and coordination requirements with Southern California Edison before planting under distribution lines. Violations are enforced by Code Compliance and Public Works through stop-work orders, citations, and mandatory remediation. The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board reviews work affecting trees in Class 1 historic districts. Property owners hiring tree contractors should verify California C-61/D-49 licensing and arborist ISA certification. Wildfire defensible space rules from Cal Fire also intersect, particularly on hillside properties, creating tension between tree preservation and fuel-load reduction.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Palm Springs code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle tree ordinances.
See how Palm Springs's tree ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
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