Tree removal in Irvine: the local rules

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

What Irvine's code says

Irvine code What Irvine's code adds
Permit to remove	A permit is granted for dead, declining (dead limbs over 1/3 of the crown), hazardous, crowded-stunted or untreatably infested trees. Applies: Applies to significant trees. § 5-7-410 · code text Trees that are dead or in significant and irreversible decline. Significant decline is defined as dead limbs composing more than one-third of the tree crown. Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Applies to removing any significant tree on public or private land covered by the chapter. § 5-7-410 · code text A permit shall be required to remove any significant tree on public or private land to which this chapter applies.
Replacement trees	Replace each removed tree one-for-one. Applies: Applies to residential property; on site or off site as the City Arborist decides. § 5-7-410 · code text Trees removed shall be replaced at a one-for-one ratio either on site in a similar location, on site in a different location, or off site as prescribed in the Urban Forestry Guideline Manual based on the determination of the City Arborist.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Irvine's code: A permit is granted for dead, declining (dead limbs over 1/3 of the crown), hazardous, crowded-stunted or untreatably infested trees. (Applies to significant trees.) (§ 5-7-410); Replace each removed tree one-for-one. (Applies to residential property; on site or off site as the City Arborist decides.) (§ 5-7-410).

General information, not legal advice.

Tree removal in Irvine

What Irvine's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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