Ceres, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Ceres, CA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 12.05.070
- Removal
- requires Public Works Department approval
- City-removed trees
- replaced, budget permitting
- No-replant sites
- get written release instead
- Removal permits
- expire in 60 days
Summary
When Ceres removes a street tree, the Public Works Department must replant it with an approved species, budget permitting, unless the site can't support a new tree: in which case the City issues a written release explaining why.
Upon removal of such tree (or trees), the City shall replace the tree with a tree of a species approved by the Department subject to annual budget constraints. Tree replacement may not be required when the location would be in conflict with drives, walks or other construction permitted in public rights-of-way, planting strips, or which is not suitable for planting. A written release signed by the City, stating the reason for not requiring a replacement, shall be issued.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Ceres Municipal Code § 12.05.070 requires Public Works Department authorization before any street tree is removed or relocated. The City may remove a tree for sight-distance hazards, safety problems, disease or decay, improper planting, or damage to sidewalks, curbs, or utilities. Under subsection B, once the City removes a street tree it must replace it with a Department-approved species, subject to annual budget constraints. Replacement isn't required where the spot conflicts with driveways, walks, or other permitted construction, or is otherwise unsuitable for planting: the City then issues a written release stating the reason. Property owners who want to remove a tree abutting their own lot need separate Director approval weighing hardship against the tree's condition and value, and must finish removal within 60 days of the permit.
Violations & Fines
Cutting, removing, or relocating a street tree without Public Works approval is a code violation; an unauthorized private tree that becomes a public hazard can be declared a nuisance and abated by the City after 10 days' notice, billed to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ceres replace a street tree after it removes one?
Can a homeowner remove the street tree in front of their house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ceres
California rules heatmap·Compare Ceres to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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