Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

I don't have the authority for this handy to cite for you, but I believe that the CC&R provision you mention would be sustained in court. Among other things, there is a distinction made between man-made or man-caused view obstructions like new buildings or perhaps even newly-planted trees that grow later on, on the one hand, versus natural growth of trees that were already there when the lot was sold. Also, some localities have rather strict local ordinances against cutting healthy trees just to restore uphill residents' views.

Yes. The developer charged you a premium for lot selection. This has little to do with the CC&R's and the HOA rules. Undoubtedly you were given those rules and restrictions when you purchased the property.