Santa Clara County does not classify any palm species as heritage or protected by default. Palms only gain protection when individually designated as a heritage tree, located in a public right-of-way, or sited in a riparian protection zone managed by Valley Water.
Unlike Los Angeles County, where Canary Island date palms can earn heritage status, Santa Clara County's Heritage Tree ordinance focuses on native oaks, redwoods, sycamores, and select large trees, with palms rarely qualifying. Palms may still receive protection through three pathways. First, a Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) or other ornamental palm in a county road right-of-way requires a tree removal permit from County Roads and Airports. Second, palms within Valley Water creek setbacks fall under stream maintenance permits. Third, palms can be voluntarily nominated as a heritage tree under SCC Ord. NS-1100.20 if they exceed nine feet in trunk circumference at fifty-four inches above grade.
Removing a palm in a public right-of-way or designated heritage location without a permit triggers fines of up to $5,000 per tree, replacement requirements, and citation under SCC Ord. NS-1100.20 enforced by Code Enforcement.
See how Santa Clara's palm tree rules rules stack up against other locations.
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