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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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle tree replacement requirements.
See how Mead Valley's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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