Tree Protection in Gilroy, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Gilroy, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
In the City of Gilroy, a heritage tree, defined by Gilroy City Code § 30.38.270(b)(2) as any tree with a single 90-inch circumference trunk or multiple trunks totaling 72 inches, cannot be cut down, removed or destroyed without a tree removal permit under § 30.38.270(c)(3). Removing an approved heritage tree requires two 48-inch box replacement trees under Table 1.
Gilroy Heritage Tree Protection and Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsGilroy City Code § 30.38.270(b)(2)
(2) Heritage Tree. A tree of any species with a single trunk of ninety (90) inches in circumference or more at a point four and one-half (4-1/2) feet above the ground or with multiple trunks, two (2) of which collectively measure seventy-two (72) inches in circumference or more at a point four and one-half (4-1/2) feet above the ground. ... (c) Permit Required. It is unlawful for any person to ...
Protected Tree Species
In the City of Gilroy, only indigenous trees, species native to the Gilroy region such as oaks, California bay, big leaf maple, madrone, California sycamore, California buckeye and alder, can qualify as a protected tree under Gilroy City Code § 30.38.270(b)(3)-(4). An indigenous tree becomes protected once its single trunk reaches thirty-eight inches in circumference; nonindigenous species and orchard trees are expressly exempt.
Gilroy Protected Native Tree Species List
Significant RestrictionsGilroy City Code § 30.38.270(b)(3)-(4)
(3) Indigenous Tree. A tree which is native to the Gilroy region, including oaks (all types), California bay (Umbellularia californica), big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), madrone (Arbutus menziesii), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), California buckeye (Aesculus californica) and alder (Alnus glutinosa). (4) Protected Tree. Any indigenous tree characterized by having a single trunk of t...
Parkway Planting
In the City of Gilroy, no one may plant a tree in or overhanging a public street unless it appears on the parks and recreation director's master tree list, or the director issues a written permit for a different species under City Code Section 26.5. The director also sets exact planting locations through a commission-approved master street tree planting plan under Section 26.5-1, and subdivision developers pay the city's actual planting cost under Section 26.16.
Gilroy Street Tree Planting Standards
Significant RestrictionsGilroy City Code §§ 26.5, 26.5-1, 26.16
All trees hereafter planted in or which may overhang the public streets of the city must be on the master tree list, unless a written permit from the director shall have first been obtained to plant a tree not on said list. Such permit may be granted by the director only upon his obtaining approval therefor from the commission. It shall be unlawful to plant any tree except as in this section pr...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Gilroy city rules.
Tree Protection in Santa Clara County →