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

Street trees and parkway trees in the public right-of-way are city-controlled under Rialto Municipal Code Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places). A property owner or contractor must obtain a public works/encroachment permit from the Public Works Department before pruning, topping, or removing any tree in the parkway or other right-of-way; unauthorized removal is treated as damage to public property. On private commercial, industrial, multifamily, or new-development sites, landscaping is installed as a condition of approval under Title 18 (Zoning) - typically Chapter 18.61 Design Guidelines and the landscape standards reviewed during site plan / design review. Removal or substantial alteration of those required trees requires a revised landscape plan approved by the Planning Division, and replacement trees consistent with the original conditions. California does not have a statewide private-tree removal permit for ordinary residential lots, but the state Urban Forestry Act (PRC §4799.06 et seq.) and CCR Title 14 set the framework cities follow. Rialto does not currently designate a citywide heritage tree list.