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

Tustin's tree-protection framework is Article 7, Chapter 3 (Trees and Shrubs), which applies to the public urban forest rather than private-yard trees. Section 7301 declares the City's intent to exercise 'full power, authority and jurisdiction over all trees, plants or shrubs in or growing upon or over any public parkway, street, highway, alley, right-of-way, City-owned property.' Section 7303 functions as the permit requirement: it is unlawful to 'cut down, girdle, remove... or destroy any tree or shrub' on a public parkway, median, street, highway, alley, sidewalk or right-of-way 'without prior written approval of the City's Manager of Field Services.' Section 7306 sets the standard for City-initiated removals - blighted, diseased or unsafe trees may be removed and replaced from the City-approved list - and limits removal of healthy public trees to cases where the tree 'has caused damage to adjacent property or is determined to be unsafe.' New development triggers tree planting: under Section 7308, a building permit for construction or remodeling costing more than 50% of the assessed value of existing improvements must show tree planting consistent with the City's Master Tree Plan (Sec. 7309). Decisions are appealable to the Director of Public Works and then the City Council (Sec. 7307). Tustin's code does not impose a heritage/protected-tree permit for ordinary private single-family lots, so a tree wholly on private property generally does not need a removal permit, though specific development conditions or HOA rules may apply.