Tree Protection in Livermore, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Livermore, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Livermore's closest equivalent to a heritage-tree law is the City Council's power to designate an individual tree an "ancestral tree" for its age, size, appearance, or historical significance, which automatically makes it a protected tree under the removal-permit chapter.
Livermore Ancestral Tree Designation
Significant RestrictionsLivermore Municipal Code § 12.20.160(A)
"Ancestral tree" means any tree determined by the City Council to be an ancestral tree based upon a finding that the particular tree is unique and of importance to the public due to its age, size, appearance, location, ecological value, habitat value, historical and/or cultural significance.
Protected Tree Species
Livermore's tree preservation ordinance protects any California native tree of 15 listed species once it reaches 24 inches in circumference at breast height on single-family residential land. A removal or encroachment permit is required unless an exemption applies.
Livermore Protected Native Tree Species Rule
Some RestrictionsLivermore Municipal Code § 12.20.160(B), (M)(1)(b)
"California native" tree means: Alder, White (Alnus rhombifolia) Bay, California (Umbellularia californica) Buckeye, California (Aesculus californica) Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) Maple, Big Leaf (Acer macrophyllum) Oak, Blue (Quercus douglasii) Oak, California Black (Quercus kelloggii) Oak, Canyon Live (Quercus chrysolepis) Oak, Coast Live (Quercus agrifolia) Oak, Interior Live (Quercus wislize...
Parkway Planting
Planting a tree, plant or shrub in a Livermore parkway strip requires a free permit from the maintenance superintendent, issued only if it matches the city's approved street tree plan. Paving a parkway strip needs separate written permission from public works.
Livermore Parkway Tree Planting Permit
Some RestrictionsLivermore Municipal Code §§ 12.20.050, 12.20.120(B)
§ 12.20.050. Planting trees – Permit required. No tree, plant or shrub shall be planted or placed in or upon any public right-of-way without a permit therefor having first been issued by the superintendent. Such permit shall not require the payment of any application fee or other cost to the applicant, and will only be issued if it is found that such proposed planting or placing is in accordanc...
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Livermore city rules.
Tree Protection in Alameda County →