Protected Tree Species: Chino vs Hesperia
How do protected tree species rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Hesperia.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino does not designate specific protected native tree species (such as California sycamore, coast live oak, or California black walnut) on private property. That contrasts sharply with neighboring Chino Hills, which lists those four natives plus coastal scrub oak under CHMC Ch. 16.90. In Chino, protection of native species attaches only at the project-CEQA level via California Fish & Game Code §§1360-1372 (Oak Woodlands Conservation Act) for projects impacting oak woodlands.
View full Chino rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Municipal Code Chapter 16.24 (Protected Plants) protects native Mojave Desert vegetation, with the Western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) as the primary protected species. Joshua trees are additionally protected statewide as a candidate threatened species under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act of 2023 (Fish & Game Code §1927 et seq.). Other commonly protected desert species in Hesperia development reviews include Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera), desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), juniper (Juniperus californica), and Joshua tree clonal groups. A Protected Plant Preservation Plan is required whenever development affects these species.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| City-protected native species | None designated | - |
| Comparable Chino Hills list | CA Sycamore, Coast Live Oak, CA Black Walnut, Coastal Scrub Oak (CHMC 16.90 — does NOT apply in Chino) | - |
| State oak woodland law | Fish & Game Code §§1360-1372 | - |
| Riparian / streambed | Fish & Game Code §§1600-1616 (CDFW 1602 agreement) | - |
| Nesting birds | Fish & Game Code §3503 / federal MBTA (Feb 15-Sep 1 typical avoidance) | - |
| Primary Protected Species | - | Western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) |
| Other Protected Plants | - | Mojave yucca, desert willow, California juniper |
| State Statute | - | Fish & Game Code §§1927-1927.6 |
| Local Code | - | Hesperia MC Ch. 16.24 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I cut down a coast live oak on my Chino property?
Yes — Chino has no protected-species ordinance on private property. A CEQA-level review may attach only if the work is part of a discretionary development project impacting oak woodland habitat (Fish & Game Code §§1360-1372).
What about a tree near Chino Creek?
Trees within the bed, bank, or channel of Chino Creek may require a CDFW §1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement before removal — that's state, not city.
What if there's a bird nest in the tree?
Active nests of native birds are protected year-round by Fish & Game Code §3503 and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Wait until fledging is complete before removing or pruning.
Hesperia FAQ
Are all Joshua trees protected, or just big ones?
All Western Joshua trees are protected under FGC §1927 regardless of size or age. Even seedlings and clonal sprouts qualify.
Is the Mojave yucca protected the same way?
Mojave yucca is protected under Hesperia MC Ch. 16.24's Protected Plant Preservation Plan process for development, but is not on the state Conservation Act list.
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