CAL.Regulation
California lets cities permit Joshua tree removal for commercial projects and sets in-lieu fees
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1808 on September 29, 2026, as an urgency statute effective immediately. It amends the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act so the Department of Fish and Wildlife may delegate take permits for commercial and industrial projects to cities, and sets in-lieu mitigation fees of $1,000, $200 or $150 per tree by height. Some homeowner permits are exempt from CEQA until a programmatic EIR is certified or January 1, 2032.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor
Key points
- In-lieu mitigation fees are $1,000 per tree five meters or taller, $200 for one to five meters and $150 under one meter.California Legislative Information
- Owner-occupants may pay in-lieu fees to remove up to 10 trees within 30 feet of an existing single-family residence.California Legislative Information
- The department may delegate take authorization for commercial and industrial projects to cities by agreement.California Legislative Information
- CEQA exemption until a programmatic EIR is certified or January 1, 2032.California Legislative Information
- Chapter 816, Statutes of 2026, amends Fish and Game Code sections 1927.3 and 1927.8; as an urgency statute it took effect September 29, 2026.California Legislative Information
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
Office of the Governor