Unincorporated Orange County's Protected Tree Ordinance (Section 7-9-69) prohibits cutting, destroying, or removing protected trees with a trunk diameter of 5 inches or more at breast height without a Protected Tree Removal or Damage Permit from OC Development Services.
Orange County's Protected Tree Ordinance under Section 7-9-69 of the Zoning Code applies to all protected trees within unincorporated areas. No person may cut, destroy, remove, inflict damage, or encroach into the Protected Zone of any protected tree that is 5 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH). Protected species include native California oaks (Quercus species) with specific attention to Quercus berberidifolia, Q. dumosa, and Q. morehus. Single-trunk oaks must be at least 6 inches DBH, while multi-trunk individuals must measure 10 inches aggregate DBH. To remove a protected tree, applicants must submit a Protected Tree Removal or Damage Permit application to OC Development Services. The application requires a Protected Tree report prepared by a certified arborist. The Director of OC Public Works refers the report to the county-certified arborist for accuracy review and on-site inspection before making a determination.
Unauthorized removal of protected trees carries significant penalties including replacement requirements and fines. Heritage tree removal costs begin at $21,200. Willful damage may result in criminal prosecution.
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