When protected tree removal is approved in San Diego, replacement planting may be required as a condition of the permit. The City's Urban Forestry program manages street tree replacement and maintenance. Developers may be required to plant replacement trees as part of project approvals under the Land Development Code. The City's tree canopy goals support increasing urban tree coverage for environmental and aesthetic benefits.
San Diego tree replacement ordinance requires planting new trees when permitted removals occur. Standard replacement ratios range from 1:1 to 3:1 depending on the size and species of the removed tree. Replacement trees must meet minimum caliper requirements, typically 1.5 to 2 inch caliper at planting. Approved species lists ensure appropriate native or adapted varieties. Replacement trees must be planted on the same property when space allows, or a fee-in-lieu paid to the city tree fund. A maintenance period of 1 to 2 years ensures establishment.
Failure to replace: $250 to $1,000 per tree plus required planting. Fee-in-lieu non-payment: lien on property.
San Diego, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle tree replacement requirements.
See how San Diego's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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