Inyo County, CA Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

There is no standalone tree-removal permit ordinance in the Inyo County Code for unincorporated areas. Unlike many California cities that protect 'significant,' heritage, or oak trees and require a permit before removal, Inyo County has not adopted such a scheme, so a private landowner can generally remove trees on their own parcel without obtaining a county tree permit. Permitting can enter the picture indirectly: tree removal that is part of a development or subdivision is reviewed under the Title 18 zoning ordinance and may require California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review through the Planning Department; removal involving grading or significant earthwork can require a grading permit under the County's building/grading regulations; and a large share of Owens Valley land is owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), so trees on LADWP land are governed by that agency, not the County. State fire law (PRC 4291) can independently require removing fuel and certain trees within defensible space in fire-prone areas. Because no county tree-removal ordinance exists, residents should confirm whether their specific parcel is private fee land or LADWP land and whether any grading or project review is triggered before assuming no review at all.