Tree removal in Murrieta: the local rules

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

What Murrieta's code says

Murrieta code What Murrieta's code adds
Exemptions	No tree removal permit is needed. Applies: Removing or relocating a protected tree as part of a discretionary permit application; all other chapter rules still apply. § 16.42.070 · code text Notwithstanding the above, a tree removal permit shall not be required in the event that the removal or relocation of a protected tree is proposed as part of a discretionary permit application. While a tree removal permit is not required, all other provisions of this chapter shall still apply to the discretionary permit. The director may waive any requirement of the chapter. Applies: Trees with little or no ornamental value, not affected by development, or not worth protecting per an arborist, including damaged or diseased trees. § 16.42.100 · code text The director may waive any requirement of this chapter based upon a determination that the tree(s) would have little or no ornamental value in an urban setting, or that the tree(s) are located so that they would not be impacted by the proposed development, or evidence is provided from an arborist determining that the current condition of the tree does not justify its protection (i.e., damaged tree or diseased tree).
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit is required. Applies: Removing, cutting down or otherwise destroying a protected tree. § 16.42.070 · code text No protected tree shall be removed, cut down, or otherwise destroyed, unless a tree removal permit has been approved by the director.
Replacement trees	The removal permit application must include a tree replacement plan that meets city replacement standards. Applies: Tree removal permit applications. § 16.42.070 · code text A tree replacement plan with explanation of how proposed replacement trees comply with Section 16.42.095 Protected Tree Replacement Standards.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Murrieta?

Murrieta's code: Yes, a tree removal permit is required. (Removing, cutting down or otherwise destroying a protected tree.) (§ 16.42.070); The removal permit application must include a tree replacement plan that meets city replacement standards. (Tree removal permit applications.) (§ 16.42.070).

Tree removal in Murrieta

What Murrieta's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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