Apple Valley, CA Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Apple Valley's tree-permit system targets the Mojave Desert's protected vegetation. Under the Town's Development Code Chapter 9.76 (Plant Protection and Management), qualifying projects must submit an application and pay the applicable fee to the Town for removal or relocation of desert native plants prior to grading permits; the chapter contains a dedicated Joshua-tree section (9.76.040). For western Joshua trees specifically, state law governs: the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act requires authorization from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) before take, with mitigation fees scaling by tree height (for example, roughly $156.50 to $354.75 for trees under 1 meter depending on fee area, rising for larger trees), and CDFW offers free permits to remove dead or trim western Joshua trees. Development site plans must identify western Joshua trees on-site or within 40 feet of the proposed area of disturbance. By contrast, removing a typical non-native ornamental or fruit tree on private residential property generally does not require a Town permit. Street trees in the public right-of-way should be coordinated with Town Public Works. The broader California Desert Native Plants Act (Food and Agricultural Code, Division 23) supplies an additional state permit/harvest-receipt layer for protected desert species in San Bernardino County.