When oak trees are removed under Ordinance No. 559, replacement is required at ratios ranging from 3:1 to 10:1 depending on the size of the removed tree. Replacement trees must be native species, typically 15-gallon minimum, with a 3-5 year establishment monitoring period.
Riverside County Ordinance No. 559 mandates mitigation planting whenever a protected oak is legally removed. The standard replacement ratio is 3:1 (three replacement trees per tree removed) for oaks 6-12 inches DBH, 5:1 for trees 12-24 inches DBH, and up to 10:1 for heritage-sized oaks over 36 inches DBH. Replacement trees must be California natives, typically coast live oak, Engelmann oak, or valley oak grown from local-genotype stock, installed at 15-gallon size minimum (sometimes 24-inch box). A 3-5 year monitoring and maintenance plan is required, with quarterly reports to the Planning Department during the first two years. Mitigation ratios increase for illegal removal and may include in-lieu fees to the county oak restoration fund (approximately $500-$1,500 per tree). Replacement plantings may be required on-site; off-site mitigation in MSHCP conservation areas is allowed with Planning Department approval. Survival standards typically require 80% survival at year 3 with replacement of failed plantings.
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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