Skip to content

San Bernardino County · Building on your lot

Tree removal in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County's own rules on tree removal, with the code text for every value.

Ask about tree removal in San Bernardino County See coverage

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

What San Bernardino County's code says

San Bernardino County code What San Bernardino County's code adds
Permit to remove
  • Yes, a Tree or Plant Removal Permit is required.
    Applies: Removing a regulated tree or plant.
    § 88.01.050 · code text
    A Tree or Plant Removal Permit shall be required for the removal of a regulated tree or plant as identified in this Chapter.
Replacement trees
  • Replacement planting and care may be required; the ratio and tree sizes follow an Oak Reforestation Plan.
    Applies: Non-exempt oak woodland conversion projects with a significant environmental effect.
    § 88.01.050 · code text
    The review authority may require the planting and maintenance of replacement trees, including replacing dead or diseased trees. The replacement ratio and tree sizes shall be based on the recommendation of an Oak Reforestation Plan prepared by a registered professional forester.
  • An in-lieu fee to the Oak Woodlands Conservation Fund may be required, based on the replacement trees' value.
    Applies: Non-exempt oak woodland conversion projects with a significant environmental effect.
    § 88.01.050 · code text
    The in-lieu fee for replacement trees shall be calculated based upon their equivalent value as established by the International Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA) current edition of Guide to Establishing Values for Trees and Shrubs, etc.).

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in San Bernardino County?

San Bernardino County's code: Yes, a Tree or Plant Removal Permit is required. (Removing a regulated tree or plant.) (§ 88.01.050); Replacement planting and care may be required; the ratio and tree sizes follow an Oak Reforestation Plan. (Non-exempt oak woodland conversion projects with a significant environmental effect.) (§ 88.01.050).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific San Bernardino County property

Ask GoCodebook how San Bernardino County's tree removal rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

Ask your question

More on building on your lot in San Bernardino County

All building on your lot rules in San Bernardino County

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in San Bernardino County

Running a business from home in San Bernardino County

Solar panels and EV chargers in San Bernardino County

Pets, chickens and bees in San Bernardino County

Building on a hillside in San Bernardino County

Noise and construction hours in San Bernardino County

Garage and yard sales in San Bernardino County

Group homes and residential care in San Bernardino County

Signs on homes in San Bernardino County

Trash and recycling carts in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County Municipal Code — full text