RESUMEN
A permit is required to remove a tree or multiple trees from private property, unless a property meets an exception in accordance with Section 15-279(a) of the county code. This page explains the basic requirements for submitting an application for a tree removal permit.
Proceso de Presentación
- Determine if you need a Tree Removal Permit (see Preguntas Frecuentes below).
- Submit your tree removal permit online through Procesamiento Rápido de Servicios del Condado de Orange. You must create an account to submit a permit online.
Instrucciones de Presentación
At a minimum, a tree removal permit application shall include the following information:
- Solicitud de Permiso para Eliminar Árboles.
- A tree survey prepared by a professional surveyor (as defined in Sección 15-277 of County Code) consisting of a drawing (one (1) inch equals three hundred (300) feet or better). The tree survey shall have been completed within two (2) years from the date of the application. Each survey shall indicate the following information:
- Property boundaries.
- All regulated trees and proposed preserved trees shall be identified with the following information:
- Site location.
- Diameter at Breast Height (DBH).
- Common name.
- Identification of heritage and specimen trees, if appropriate (Sección 15-283).
- Identification of existing and proposed easements.
- Identification of any waterbodies, wetlands and other conservation areas.
- A site plan, landscape plan, or related plan may be required, showing the following information:
- Existing and proposed improvements to the site, including proposed grading plan (if not part of a preliminary subdivision plan or development plan).
- Removal and replacement calculation, including a schedule of trees to be planted indicating species, size, caliper, and location, consistent with Sección 15-306 of County Code.
- Additional information may be requested from the applicant in order to complete the required review.
- Honorarios.
Proceso de Revisión
- After a Tree Removal Permit is submitted, staff will review to determine if the application is sufficient within four days. If pertinent information or documents are missing, the applicant will be notified via email.
- Once the Tree Removal Permit is deemed sufficient, the application is reviewed by the Zoning Division Arborists for compliance with Chapter 15, Article VIII of Orange County code. Other affected divisions may also review, such as Development Engineering and the Environmental Protection Division. The review period is 14 days.
- An Arborist will conduct a site visit to verify the accuracy of the tree survey.
- If all code requirements are met, the permit is issued and the applicant will be notified via email.
Honorarios
- Tree Permit Fee: (see Directorio de Tarifas)
- Developed (Commercial, Industrial or Multi-family) - $247.98
- Undeveloped/Lot Clearing (Result of violation) – $230.90
- Timber Harvesting – Tree survey not required. - $177.60
- Single-family or Duplex Greater than 2 Acres - $121.00
- Bonafide Agricultural (Record keeping purposes only) – No fee
- Voluntary Lot Cleaning (Record keeping purposes only) – No fee
- Environmental Protection Division review fee $3 (if applicable)
- Development Engineering review fee $38 (if applicable)
- Mitigation fees may be required.