Protected Tree Species: Hesperia vs Ontario
How do protected tree species rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Ontario, CA?
Hesperia and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Western Joshua trees are protected under California's Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act of 2023. Removing or relocating them in San Bernardino County requires a state permit and mitigation fees, with additional county Native Desert Plant Protection rules.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State law | - | AB 1283 of 2023 |
| Permitting agency | - | CDFW |
| County ordinance | - | Native Desert Plant Protection |
| Mitigation fee | - | Thousands per tree |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Ontario FAQ
Can I remove a Joshua tree on my own land?
Not without a CDFW permit. Even on private land you must apply, document the take, pay mitigation fees, and may be required to relocate or replant. Hazard removals follow expedited processes.
What other desert plants are protected?
California Desert Native Plants Act protects yucca species, agave, mesquite, palo verde, ironwood, ocotillo, smoke tree, and barrel cacti. County ordinances may add additional native species in mountain and desert zones.
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