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Tree removal in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake's own rules on tree removal, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Big Bear Lake Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Big Bear Lake's code says

Big Bear Lake code What Big Bear Lake's code adds
Exemptions
  • No permit fee; written notice from the Fire Protection District or state forestry department serves as the tree removal permit.
    Applies: Fire Protection District or state Department of Forestry finds tree declining, diseased, infested, dead, structurally unsound, or threatening buildings, life, safety or property.
    § 17.10.060 · code text
    the fire protection district shall provide written notification to the planning division, which shall serve as a tree removal permit for the property owner, and no fee will be assessed for a tree removal permit in these cases.
  • No permit fee; documentation of the finding, given to the city, serves as the tree removal permit.
    Applies: Registered professional forester, certified arborist or state Department of Forestry finds tree declining, diseased, infested, dead, structurally unsound, or threatening buildings, life, safety or property.
    § 17.10.060 · code text
    the property owner shall provide documentation of such determination to the City, which shall serve as a tree removal permit and no fee shall be assessed for a tree removal permit in these cases.
  • No separate tree removal permit is required; the project approval serves as the tree removal approval.
    Applies: Discretionary or ministerial projects that include review of a tree conservation plan.
    § 17.10.060 · code text
    Approval of discretionary or ministerial projects, which include review of tree conservation plans, shall constitute the tree removal approval and no separate tree removal permit shall be required in these cases.
Permit to remove
  • Yes, a tree removal permit from the city is required.
    Applies: Removing one or more trees 12 inches or more in diameter at breast height, with no approved discretionary or ministerial project.
    § 17.10.060 · code text
    in cases where there is no approval of a discretionary project or a ministerial project, but where removal of one or more trees twelve (12) inches or greater DBH is proposed, the property owner or authorized representative shall be required to obtain a tree removal permit from the City of Big Bear Lake.
Protected trees
  • Trees 12 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH).
    Applies: Removal needs a permit unless it is part of an approved project.
    § 17.10.060 · code text
    where removal of one or more trees twelve (12) inches or greater DBH is proposed, the property owner or authorized representative shall be required to obtain a tree removal permit
Replacement trees
  • Plant 1 approved tree, 3 to 4 inches in diameter at 1 foot above natural grade, for each tree removed.
    Applies: Tree removal permit, where the reviewing authority finds it appropriate.
    § 17.10.060 · code text
    An approved tree having a diameter of three to four inches measured at a point one foot above natural grade will be planted on the site for each tree removed, where deemed appropriate by the reviewing authority.
  • Replace within 6 months at a 1-to-1 ratio with an approved tree 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
    Applies: Trees required by the approved landscaping plan die within 48 months after land disturbance work is completed.
    § 17.10.045 · code text
    the owner of the property shall replace the trees within six months at a ratio of one-to-one with an approved tree having a diameter of three to four inches measured at a point one foot above natural grade.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Big Bear Lake?

Big Bear Lake's code: Yes, a tree removal permit from the city is required. (Removing one or more trees 12 inches or more in diameter at breast height, with no approved discretionary or ministerial project.) (§ 17.10.060); Trees 12 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH). (Removal needs a permit unless it is part of an approved project.) (§ 17.10.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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Big Bear Lake Municipal Code — full text