Tree removal in Palmdale: the local rules

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

What Palmdale's code says

Palmdale code What Palmdale's code adds
Exemptions	The owner may remove a detached dead western Joshua tree or limb; other work needs a desert native plant specialist. § 14.04.040 · code text The project proponent or its agent may remove a detached dead western Joshua tree or detached limb of a western Joshua tree. No mitigation fees. Applies: Applies to permits for dead Joshua trees or limbs that fell within 30 feet of, or lean on, a structure, or pose imminent danger. § 14.04.040 · code text A permit may be issued, without payment of mitigation fees, provided that the dead western Joshua tree or the limb(s) to be removed:
Permit to remove	Yes, a native desert vegetation removal permit is required. Applies: Applies to removing any native desert vegetation. § 14.04.040 · code text A native desert vegetation removal permit shall be obtained from the City's Landscape Architect, or in lieu thereof, the Director of Public Works' designee, prior to the removal of any native desert vegetation as defined in this chapter.
Protected trees	Native desert vegetation, including western Joshua trees and California junipers. § 14.04.040 · code text A native desert vegetation removal permit shall be obtained from the City's Landscape Architect, or in lieu thereof, the Director of Public Works' designee, prior to the removal of any native desert vegetation as defined in this chapter.
Replacement trees	Replacement desert plants as the City Landscape Architect decides. Applies: Applies if any preserved desert vegetation has died after 1 year. § 14.04.080 · code text Based upon this evaluation, if it is determined that any quantity of desert vegetation has died, it will be the responsibility of the proponent to provide replacement desert vegetation as determined by the City Landscape Architect, or in lieu thereof, the Director of Public Works' designee. At least 2 California junipers per gross acre must be preserved. Applies: Applies to development on land with desert vegetation. § 14.04.070 · code text Two California junipers per gross acre, averaged for the gross site area covered by the development application; An in-lieu fee set by City Council resolution. Applies: Applies when site limits make saving Joshua or juniper trees impossible and no other option remains. § 14.04.070 · code text The in-lieu fee amount shall be determined by resolution of the City Council;

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Frequently asked questions

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

Palmdale's code: Yes, a native desert vegetation removal permit is required. (Applies to removing any native desert vegetation.) (§ 14.04.040); Native desert vegetation, including western Joshua trees and California junipers. (§ 14.04.040).

Tree removal in Palmdale

What Palmdale's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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