Tree removal in Yucaipa: the local rules

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

What Yucaipa's code says

Yucaipa code What Yucaipa's code adds
Exemptions	Exempt: trees damaged by storms, floods, earthquakes, fires or other natural disasters that the Planning Agency finds dangerous. Applies: No oak tree permit is needed; Community Development must be promptly told of the emergency and the action taken. § 89.0515 · code text Trees damaged by thunderstorms, windstorms, floods, earthquakes, fires or other natural disasters and determined to be dangerous by the Planning Agency. The Department of Community Development shall be promptly notified of the nature of the emergency and action taken. Exempt: removal the fire department finds necessary. § 89.0515 · code text When removal is determined necessary by fire department.
Permit to remove	Yes, an oak tree permit is needed to cut, remove, relocate or encroach into the protected zone. Applies: Oak trees on public or private property. § 89.0515 · code text No person shall cut, remove, encroach into the protected zone, or relocate any oak tree on any public or private property within the City unless a valid oak tree permit has been issued by the City pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and the Oak Tree Conservation and Protection Guidelines.
Protected trees	Oak trees more than 2 inches in diameter, measured 4½ feet above natural grade. § 89.0515 · code text Trees that do not exceed two inches (2”) in diameter when measured at a point four and half feet (4 1/2') above the tree’s natural grade.
Replacement trees	Replacement or added trees may be required as a permit condition. Applies: To offset the loss of a tree or limbs, or encroachment into an oak's protected zone. § 89.0525 · code text A condition requiring the replacement or placement of additional trees on the subject property to offset the impacts associated with the loss of a tree, limbs or encroachment into the protected zone of an oak tree; Moving the tree, or planting a new tree elsewhere in the City, may be required as a permit condition. Applies: To offset the loss of a tree. § 89.0525 · code text The relocating of a tree on-site or off-site, or the planting of a new tree off-site within the City to offset the loss of a tree; A fee equal to the tree's replacement cost, or donating a boxed tree to the City or another public agency. Applies: When no suitable replacement spot exists on or off site. § 89.0525 · code text Payment of a fee equal to the replacement cost of the tree or donation of a boxed tree to the City or other public agency to be used elsewhere in the community should a suitable replacement location of the tree not be possible on-site or off-site.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Yucaipa's code: Yes, an oak tree permit is needed to cut, remove, relocate or encroach into the protected zone. (Oak trees on public or private property.) (§ 89.0515); Oak trees more than 2 inches in diameter, measured 4½ feet above natural grade. (§ 89.0515).

Tree removal in Yucaipa

What Yucaipa's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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