Eastvale, CA Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Eastvale has no codified protected-tree or heritage-tree permit program for private property. The original tree chapter, EMC Chapter 12.24, was repealed by Ordinance No. 2014-09 and now reads 'Reserved,' and a search of the municipal code returns no tree-removal-permit provisions. As a result, a homeowner generally does not need a city tree permit to remove a healthy tree on private land; in fact, EMC Sec. 8.18.030(a)(19) requires owners to remove dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees as nuisances. Permit obligations attach mainly to trees on city-controlled land. The City Council adopted an urgency tree ordinance, Ordinance No. 2016-08, on December 14, 2016, establishing a Tree Board and maintenance requirements for trees in public rights-of-way, parkway trees and park trees. Removing or significantly altering those public trees requires city authorization and a right-of-way/encroachment permit through Public Works, since any work within the public right-of-way must be permitted. For new development and discretionary projects, the Zoning Code (EMC Sec. 120.05.040(b)(2)) provides that existing trees 'shall be preserved whenever it is practical to do so,' which the community development director applies during landscaping-plan and project review. Removal tied to grading or construction may also require a grading or building permit. Separately, state and federal wildlife law (e.g., nesting-bird protections) can constrain timing of larger tree removals.