Menifee Development Code Chapter 9.200 (Tree Preservation) regulates removal of healthy mature trees on development sites and within the public right-of-way. Removal of any existing healthy tree with a 6-inch or larger trunk diameter (measured 4 feet from grade) triggers a 3:1 replacement obligation, and removal of a parkway tree requires Public Works approval. Property owners wishing to trim or remove trees in a street right-of-way, public park, public open space, or City trail must obtain a permit from the Public Works Department and use a licensed, bonded company from a list approved by Community Services. Requests are reviewed by the Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission. No California state law preempts local tree removal permitting — the City sets the rules.
Trigger for permit: (1) any tree in the public ROW/parkway; (2) trees over 6-inch trunk diameter on a property going through site development (grading/building permit); (3) any 'heritage tree' regardless of location on a site under review. Trees that are dead, decayed, diseased, or that pose a safety hazard may be removed for maintenance — but the City must be notified for parkway specimens. Topping is prohibited except as deemed necessary by the City's Tree Care Specialist (§9.200.060). Companies trimming trees under City contract must employ at least one ISA Certified Arborist. Single-family homeowners removing a tree entirely on their private property that is not a heritage tree and not in the ROW generally do not need a discretionary permit, but the 3:1 replacement applies any time a removal happens in connection with grading or building plan review under §9.200.030.
Unlawful per §9.200.070 to plant, maintain, or remove a tree contrary to Chapter 9.200. Violations are an infraction or misdemeanor as determined by legal action. The Community Services Director or Public Works Director issues a written notice; failure to correct within 15 business days leads to administrative citations under Menifee's general code-enforcement scheme. Willful destruction of a parkway tree is a separately prohibited act and can trigger replacement-cost charge-back to the responsible party.
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