How Clovis Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Clovis maintains 112 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Clovis falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Removal Permits

Permits required to remove street trees and trees protected by development conditions. Private-property trees typically permit-exempt. Contact Clovis Public Utilities (urban forestry) and Planning before cutting.

Key details: Street Trees: Permit required. Private Residential: Generally exempt. Protected Trees: Planning approval. Replacement: Often required. Emergency: After-the-fact notice.

Removing street tree without permit: fine plus replacement (mature tree appraisal value often $1,000-$5,000+). Violating development permit tree condition: code enforcement, possible permit revocation.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Replacement trees required when protected or street trees are removed. Typical ratio 1:1 or 2:1 for larger specimens. Species often specified from city-approved list for parkway strips.

Key details: Typical Ratio: 1:1 or 2:1. Street Trees: Approved species list. Timing: ~1 planting season. In-Lieu Fee: Sometimes allowed. Bond/Deposit: May be required.

Failure to plant required replacement: permit condition violation, bond forfeiture if posted, code enforcement action.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Clovis protects designated heritage trees and street trees in public rights-of-way. No broad private-property heritage tree ordinance; protection primarily via development conditions and designated specimens.

Key details: Ordinance: Limited scope. Street Trees: Protected. Development Trees: Permit conditions. Private Property: Light regulation. CEQA Trigger: Discretionary review.

Destroying a protected/heritage tree: permit violation plus replacement requirements. CA Civil §3346 allows treble damages for wrongful tree destruction on another's property.

The Bottom Line

Clovis's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Clovis is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Clovis's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.