San Diego County's Resource Protection Ordinance (RPO) protects significant native vegetation in unincorporated areas. Removal of protected trees (including native oaks) may require permits and mitigation. Exemptions exist for defensible space and agricultural clearing.
The County's Resource Protection Ordinance protects wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, and significant native vegetation including native tree species in unincorporated areas. Removal of protected native trees requires review through the County PDS permit process, which may include biological surveys and mitigation measures such as replacement planting at specified ratios. Exemptions exist for routine agricultural operations, defensible space maintenance required by the Fire Code, and emergency tree removal. The County's biological mitigation ordinance may also apply to development projects that impact native vegetation. Heritage trees (exceptionally old or large specimens) may receive additional consideration.
Unauthorized removal of protected trees may result in fines, required replacement planting at mitigation ratios, and restoration of disturbed areas.
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code Chapter 6 (Animal Control) and the noise ordinance address barking dogs. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors violate Secti...
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances Section 36.404 sets noise limits by property zone and time of day. Residential zones: 50 dBA daytime (7 AM–10 ...
San Diego County, CA
Vehicles on public streets in unincorporated San Diego County cannot be parked for more than 72 consecutive hours. A vehicle must be moved at least 0.5 miles...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County does not have a blanket overnight parking ban. The 72-hour parking rule applies. Some specific communities or HOAs may impose...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County enforces the 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 (adopted under County Code Title 9, Division 1) for smoke alarms. ...
San Diego County, CA
Tree trimming in unincorporated San Diego County is required for defensible space maintenance (branches pruned to 6 feet above ground), utility clearance, an...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle tree removal permits.
See how Elfin Forest's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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