Tree Protection in Tulare, CA (2026)
5 verified tree protection rules for Tulare, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Tulare Municipal Code Ch 8.52 (Preservation of Heritage Trees) makes it unlawful to destroy or remove any heritage tree on public OR private property within city limits without a permit. Parkway/street trees in the public right-of-way are separately governed by Ch 8.32 and also require a permit before removal. Permits are issued by the Parks and Recreation Department at 830 S. Blackstone St.
Heritage tree removal permit required (Tulare Code Ch 8.52)
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Tulare maintains a dedicated Heritage Tree Preservation Ordinance (Ch 8.52) that protects designated trees — most notably Valley Oaks (Quercus lobata) — on both public and private property citywide. Property owners must preserve and maintain heritage trees, use ISA pruning standards, and obtain a permit before any removal or destruction. Building permits adjacent to heritage trees trigger additional protection requirements.
Heritage Tree Preservation Ordinance (Tulare Code Ch 8.52)
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Tulare's Street Tree Ordinance (Ch 8.32) allows the City to require replacement of any parkway tree that is removed, using a species from the approved City Street Tree Master Plan, planted from a 15-gallon container and spaced per City standards (generally ~35 feet on center). New residential construction must plant street trees per § 8.32.170. The Landscaping chapter (Ch 10.196) also imposes tree-installation standards on new commercial and multifamily projects.
Tree replacement required after removal (Tulare Code §§ 8.32, 10.196)
Some RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
Tulare protects 'heritage trees' citywide under Municipal Code Ch 8.52, with Valley Oak (Quercus lobata) explicitly identified by the Parks Department as the marquee protected species — Tulare County itself was founded in 1852 at the historic 'Charter Oak.' State law adds background protection for native oak woodlands under the California Oak Woodlands Conservation Act (Cal. Pub. Resources Code §§ 21083.4, 21080.5) and CEQA review for oak removal in some contexts.
Valley Oak and other heritage species protected (Tulare Code Ch 8.52; CA Public Resources Code)
Heavy RestrictionsParkway Planting
Tulare Municipal Code Ch 8.32 governs street trees in the parkway strip (between sidewalk and curb). Property owners are responsible for maintaining adjacent parkway trees, and ALL damage caused by a parkway tree (to the owner's property, sewer laterals, or water service lines) is the property owner's responsibility. New plantings must come from the City Street Tree Master Plan species list, be installed from 15-gallon containers, staked to city standards, and spaced generally 35 feet apart. Permits are required to plant, prune (beyond ISA standards), or remove parkway trees.
Parkway/street tree planting and maintenance (Tulare Code Ch 8.32)
Some RestrictionsLooking for Tulare County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tulare city rules.
Tree Protection in Tulare County →