Riverside County Ordinance No. 559 (Oak Tree Preservation) requires permits to remove native oak trees with a trunk diameter of 6 inches or more at 4.5 feet above grade. Western sycamores and certain other natives are also protected in Western Riverside MSHCP areas. Permits are processed through the Planning Department.
Riverside County protects native oak trees through Ordinance No. 559, which requires an Oak Tree Removal Permit for the removal, relocation, or significant pruning (more than 25% of the canopy) of any oak with a trunk diameter of 6 inches or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade (DBH). Protected species include Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii), coast live oak (Q. agrifolia), California black oak (Q. kelloggii), and valley oak (Q. lobata). Western sycamores (Platanus racemosa) and other native species are additionally protected under the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). Applications are submitted to the Riverside County Planning Department with a site plan, arborist report, and replacement plan. Permit fees range from approximately $500-$2,500 depending on project scope. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees may qualify for an emergency removal with certified arborist documentation. Unauthorized removal carries fines up to $10,000 per tree plus mitigation replacement at ratios of 3:1 to 10:1. Cal Fire also regulates tree work in State Responsibility Areas during fire season.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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