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.
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County exempts one small detached non-habitable accessory structure - a shed - per 7,200 square feet of building site area from accesso...
Orange County, CA
Carports in unincorporated Orange County are governed by Section 7-9-70.3(d) of the Codified Ordinances, which requires carports to comply with main-building...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows the conversion of an existing garage, carport, or accessory structure into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Section...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County requires every pool/spa deeper than 18 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches (5 ft) high under California Health...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows ADUs on any residentially zoned lot under OC Zoning Code (Title 7, Division 9) and California Government Code §65852.2 (A...
Orange County, CA
Orange County does not levy a general gross-receipts business tax in unincorporated areas; businesses obtain a county business license tied to zoning, while ...
See how Orange County's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.