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.
Anza, CA
Anza is an unincorporated community in Riverside County governed by Riverside County Ordinance 787 (Fire Code) and the California Fire Code §307. Backyard re...
Riverside County, CA
California Penal Code section 647(c) prohibits accosting people for money in public. Riverside County supplements the state rule with Ordinance 743 restricti...
Riverside County, CA
Riverside County Ordinance 847 allows the Sheriff to declare a gathering an unruly disturbance and bill responsible parties for response costs. Repeat unruly...
Riverside County, CA
California Government Code section 7597 bans smoking in state parks and beaches. Riverside County Ordinance 539 prohibits smoking in regional parks and open ...
Riverside County, CA
California Health and Safety Code section 11362.3 prohibits smoking or consuming cannabis in public places. Riverside County applies the rule across unincorp...
Riverside County, CA
California Business and Professions Code section 25620 prohibits possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in public places. Riverside County Ordina...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle tree replacement requirements.
See how Anza's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.