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San Juan Capistrano · Building on your lot

Tree removal in San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano's own rules on tree removal, with the code text for every value, and the state law underneath.

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

What San Juan Capistrano's code says

San Juan Capistrano code What San Juan Capistrano's code adds
Exemptions
  • No removal permit for a tree threatening life, safety or property, or a dead tree the fire authority finds hazardous.
    Applies: Needs Planning Director approval, based on a qualified tree expert's written opinion or the fire authority's finding.
    § 9-2.349 · code text
    The requirement for a tree removal permit does not apply to the following circumstances:
  • No removal permit for dead, dying, diseased, unsound or overcrowded trees a qualified tree expert finds unviable.
    Applies: Needs Planning Director approval.
    § 9-2.349 · code text
    the Planning Director or designee may authorize the removal of such tree without issuance of a tree removal permit.
  • No removal permit for trees in yard areas of single-family lots.
    Applies: Does not cover heritage trees or trees in front-yard setbacks or setbacks next to a public right-of-way or trail easement.
    § 9-2.349 · code text
    trees that are located within the yard areas of a single-family residential lot may be removed without issuance of a tree removal permit.
  • No removal permit for trees with a trunk diameter under 6 inches, measured 3 feet above grade.
    § 9-2.349 · code text
    Trees with trunk diameter less than six inches measured three feet above grade.
  • No removal permit for trees the Planning Director finds invasive or inappropriate, if replaced with native trees.
    § 9-2.349 · code text
    Trees that are invasive and/or inappropriate for the area as determined by the Planning Director provided such trees are replaced with native trees.
Permit to remove
  • Yes, a tree removal permit is required.
    Applies: Applies to removing a heritage tree, or construction, grading, trenching or other disturbance in its critical root zone.
    § 9-2.349 · code text
    Removal of any heritage tree, or any construction, grading, trenching, or other disturbance within the critical root zone of a heritage tree, shall require a tree removal permit
  • Yes, a tree removal permit is required.
    Applies: Applies on residential lots to trees in front or street-side setbacks, or setbacks next to a right-of-way or trail easement.
    § 9-2.349 · code text
    Tree removal on individual residential lots for any tree within the front or street side yard setback, or any required setback adjacent to a public or private right-of-way or trail easement, shall require issuance of a tree removal permit.
  • Yes, a tree removal permit is required.
    Applies: Applies to common landscaped areas of residential projects, except non-heritage trees over 50 feet from any public right-of-way, trail or private street.
    § 9-2.349 · code text
    With the exception of non-heritage trees that are located more than 50 feet from any adjoining public right-of-way, public trail or private street, tree removal within common landscaped areas of residential projects for the purpose of landscape maintenance, such as by a homeowner’s association or other entity having responsibility for property maintenance, shall require issuance of a tree removal permit.
  • Yes, severe trimming needs prior Planning Director approval, on an arborist's recommendation.
    Applies: Applies to any tree on a property in any district.
    § 9-3.557 · code text
    No property owner or his or her agent in any district in the City shall cause any tree on his or her property to be severely trimmed, unless prior approval is given by the Planning Director, upon recommendation of an arborist.
Replacement trees
  • Replacement trees and landscaping may be required as conditions of approval.
    Applies: Applies to tree removals tied to a new development project that needs other discretionary land use approvals.
    § 9-2.349 · code text
    subject to the reviewing authority making the required findings in subsection (e) and adding conditions of approval for replacement trees and landscaping in accordance with the intent of this section and as deemed appropriate by the reviewing authority.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in San Juan Capistrano?

San Juan Capistrano's code: No removal permit for a tree threatening life, safety or property, or a dead tree the fire authority finds hazardous. (Needs Planning Director approval, based on a qualified tree expert's written opinion or the fire authority's finding.) (§ 9-2.349); No removal permit for dead, dying, diseased, unsound or overcrowded trees a qualified tree expert finds unviable. (Needs Planning Director approval.) (§ 9-2.349).

General information, not legal advice.

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San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code — full text