Newport Beach, CA Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 13.09 governs the protection and removal of trees on public property and city rights-of-way. No person may remove, damage, or substantially prune any city-owned street tree without written authorization from the Municipal Operations Department. Applications for street tree removal require justification such as disease, safety hazard, or infrastructure damage, and the city may require replacement planting. On private residential property, tree removal generally does not require a city permit unless the tree is a designated heritage tree under the city's heritage tree program, is located within the Coastal Zone where the Coastal Land Use Plan imposes vegetation preservation requirements, or is subject to conditions of a prior development approval. Properties within Planned Community districts may have tree preservation requirements established in their development plans. When a private property tree removal is associated with a development project requiring a building permit, the city reviews landscaping plans and may require tree replacement at specific ratios. Newport Beach encourages preservation of mature trees for canopy coverage, property values, and environmental benefits. The city arborist reviews tree health assessments submitted with removal requests for public trees and makes recommendations to the Municipal Operations Director.