Costa Mesa, CA Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Costa Mesa regulates tree removal through its zoning and landscaping standards in Title 13 of the Municipal Code. Trees that were planted as a condition of a site plan, planning approval, subdivision requirement, or landscaping plan may not be removed without prior written approval from the Planning Division. To request tree removal, property owners must submit a site plan identifying existing trees and proposed replacements, along with a written justification for the removal. The Planning Division may require a report prepared by a California licensed arborist assessing the tree's health, species, size, and the feasibility of preservation. Where removal is approved, replacement trees must be of a size consistent with the tree being removed, as directed by the Planning Division. Replacement plans are reviewed and approved before removal may proceed. Trees on private property that are not subject to site plan conditions may generally be removed without a permit, though Costa Mesa's heritage tree protections apply additional restrictions to certain significant specimens. Street trees in the public right-of-way, parkway strips, and medians are owned and maintained by the City of Costa Mesa Public Works Department. Residents may not trim, remove, or alter city street trees. Requests for city tree maintenance should be directed to Public Works at (714) 754-5343. Costa Mesa's urban forest includes significant mature tree canopy in established neighborhoods like Mesa Verde, College Park, and Mesa del Mar.