How Fresno Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Fresno maintains 184 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 Fresno falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Protected Tree Species

Fresno's Citywide Development Code protects specific trees from removal: Heritage Trees, multi-trunk trees with a 12-inch-plus trunk, any tree 12 inches or more in diameter, and all parkway and public-property trees. Cutting, pruning materially, or removing one requires a City Tree Removal Permit under FMC § 15-2308, reviewed by the Director or, for heritage trees, the Planning Commission.

Key details: Protected categories: Heritage, multi-trunk 12in+, 12in+ diameter, parkway trees. Permit required: Tree Removal Permit, FMC § 15-2308(D). Heritage hearing deadline: Planning Commission within 30 days. Civil penalty: $2,500 or appraised value, whichever less. Replacement ratio (heritage): 4 trees, minimum 48-inch box.

Removing a Protected Tree without a permit under FMC § 15-2308(I) requires the violator to apply for a Tree Removal Permit at double the standard fee, restore the site by planting replacement trees per Table 15-2308-E-4 (up to four 48-inch-box trees for a Heritage Tree), cover the reviewing arborist's fees, and pay a civil penalty to the City's tree-planting fund of $2,500 or the tree's appraised value, whichever is less.

This is one of the stricter rules in Fresno's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Parkway Planting

New development in Fresno must plant at least one parkway tree per lot, spaced no more than forty feet apart, from a minimum five-gallon container, under FMC § 13-304(c). Only species on the city's Master Tree List-Parkway may go into the parkway strip, and residential owners can request a front-yard tree instead through a recorded public tree easement under § 13-304(d).

Key details: Spacing standard: 1 tree per lot, max 40-ft intervals. Minimum tree size: 5-gallon container minimum. Species control: Master Tree List-Parkway only in parkway strip. Front-yard option: Requires recorded public tree easement (§ 13-304(d)). Commercial waiver: Director may waive if landscaping already conforms.

Planting a tree in a parkway, public tree easement, or other public property without the Director's written permission is unlawful under § 13-305(j), and the Director can order removal of any unauthorized planting; if the owner doesn't remove it within ten days after written notice, the city removes it and bills the owner for labor, equipment, and disposal costs. Planting a species not on the Master Tree List, or one listed as damaging, requires the owner to remove and replace it at their own expense.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Fresno designates exceptional trees as Heritage Trees under Municipal Code Section 15-2308(B), and once listed a tree cannot be removed, pruned, or materially altered without a Tree Removal Permit heard by the Planning Commission. Anyone may nominate a tree on private or public land, but private-property nominations need the owner's written consent.

Key details: Governing section: FMC § 15-2308(B), Heritage Tree Designations. Review authority: Planning Commission, public hearing required. Hearing deadline: Within 30 days of complete application. Site posting notice: 10 calendar days before hearing. Private-property nominations: Require owner's written consent.

Because heritage-tree protection sits inside the Citywide Development Code, altering or removing a designated tree without an approved permit is enforced under Municipal Code Section 15-6305, Penalty for Violation: a misdemeanor the enforcing officer or City Attorney may instead charge as an infraction, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense. Decisions of the Planning Commission may be appealed under Section 15-5017, and no decision on a heritage-tree designation or removal becomes final until the appeal period runs.

The Bottom Line

Fresno'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 Fresno is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Fresno's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.