Tree removal in Calimesa: the local rules

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

What Calimesa's code says

Calimesa code What Calimesa's code adds
Exemptions	Commercial tree farms, city projects and single-family lots under 1 acre are exempt from the 36-inch box replacement rule. Applies: Replacing a mature specimen tree removed in a new subdivision. § 18.70.120 · code text Commercial tree farms, city government projects and individual single-family lots less than one acre shall be exempt from this provision. No permit is required. Applies: Oak tree permit: pruning or removing live tissue from oaks under 2 inches in diameter, measured 4.5 feet above natural grade. § 18.80.030 · code text Any activities related to pruning or removal of live tissue, involving oak trees that are less than two inches in diameter at breast height (measured four and one-half feet above natural grade). No permit is required. Applies: Oak tree permit: removing deadwood, after the community development director confirms it is deadwood. § 18.80.030 · code text Removal of deadwood. No permit is required. Applies: Oak tree permit: removing dangerous trees that are an immediate threat to people or buildings on developed property. § 18.80.030 · code text Removal of trees that are dangerous or hazardous and pose an imminent threat to human life or structures on developed property, including but not limited to potential or actual damage due to thunderstorms, lightning strikes, windstorms, floods, fires, earthquakes, or other natural disasters. No permit is required. Applies: Oak tree permit: removal that a fire official finds necessary. § 18.80.030 · code text Removal of trees when determined to be necessary by a fire official.
Permit to remove	Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Cutting, removing, relocating or encroaching into the protected zone of a protected or heritage oak or protected oak stand, on public or private property. § 18.80.020 · code text No person shall cut, damage, remove, encroach into the protected zone of a protected oak tree, heritage oak tree, or protected stand of oak trees, or relocate any oak tree on any public or private property within the city, without first having obtained a permit, as set forth in this chapter. Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Removing more than 5 trees within 36 months; all species except oaks, which have their own permit. § 18.70.120 · code text In the event that more than five trees are to be cut down, uprooted, destroyed or removed within a 36-month period, a permit shall first be issued by the community development department.
Replacement trees	Plant replacement trees or acorns for each tree removed, if the site allows, or provide other suitable mitigation. Applies: Removing a protected oak tree under an oak tree removal permit. § 18.80.050 · code text Replacement trees or acorns will be planted to replace each tree that is removed, if feasible, based upon site characteristics, or other appropriate mitigation will be provided. Plant a 36-inch box specimen tree for each mature specimen tree removed. Applies: Mature specimen removed in a new subdivision without a tree replacement plan approved with the development. § 18.70.120 · code text any mature specimen that is removed in a new subdivision is considered to be of significant value by the community development department and shall be replaced with a 36-inch box specimen tree in addition to any other required landscaping.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Calimesa's code: Yes, a permit is required. (Cutting, removing, relocating or encroaching into the protected zone of a protected or heritage oak or protected oak stand, on public or private property.) (§ 18.80.020); Plant replacement trees or acorns for each tree removed, if the site allows, or provide other suitable mitigation. (Removing a protected oak tree under an oak tree removal permit.) (§ 18.80.050).

Tree removal in Calimesa

What Calimesa's code says

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