Kern County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Kern County, 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
- Western Joshua tree removal
- CDFW authorization required statewide
- Dead tree removal or trimming
- Free CDFW hazard management permit
- Yuccas, cacti, mesquites
- County permit required (FAC 80073)
- Landowner exemption
- 5 or fewer plants, not for resale (FAC 80118)
- Kern County coverage
- Named in FAC 80003
Summary
Removing a western Joshua tree anywhere in Kern County requires authorization from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act. The California Desert Native Plants Act also requires a permit from the county agricultural commissioner or sheriff before harvesting protected desert plants such as yuccas, cacti, ocotillo, and mesquites.
Fish and Game Code 1927.2. (a) No person or public agency shall import into this state, export out of this state, or take, possess, purchase, or sell within this state, a western Joshua tree or any part or product of the tree, except as authorized pursuant to any of the following, as applicable: (1) This chapter. (2) The California Endangered Species Act. (3) The Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3). --- Food and Agricultural Code 80073. The following native plants, or any part thereof, may not be harvested except under a permit issued by the commissioner or the sheriff of the county in which the native plants are growing: (a) All species of the family Agavaceae (century plants, nolinas, yuccas). (b) All species of the family Cactaceae (cacti), except for the plants listed in subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 80072 which may be harvested under a permit obtained pursuant to that section. (c) All species of the family Fouquieriaceae (ocotillo, candlewood). (d) All species of the genus Prosopis (mesquites). (e) All species of the genus Cercidium (palos verdes). (f) Acacia greggii (catclaw). (g) Atriplex hymenelytra (desert-holly). (h) Dalea spinosa (smoke tree). (i) Olneya tesota (desert ironwood), including both dead and live desert ironwood.
Full Breakdown
2, part of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act of 2023, prohibits any person from taking, possessing, purchasing, or selling a western Joshua tree or any part of it except as authorized by CDFW. 3 allows CDFW to issue incidental take permits requiring a tree census, avoidance and minimization measures, and mitigation fees; CDFW also issues free hazard management permits to property owners to remove dead western Joshua trees or trim trees, though these cannot authorize complete removal of living trees. Separately, the California Desert Native Plants Act applies in Kern County by name under Food and Agricultural Code Section 80003.
Section 80073 prohibits harvesting listed native plants, including all yuccas (family Agavaceae), cacti, ocotillo, mesquites, palos verdes, catclaw, desert-holly, smoke tree, and desert ironwood, without a permit from the county agricultural commissioner or sheriff. Section 80118 exempts a landowner harvesting five or fewer native plants from their own land for purposes other than resale, and Section 80117 exempts clearing for agricultural purposes and fire control measures.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted take, possession, or sale of a western Joshua tree violates Fish and Game Code Section 1927.2 and is subject to CDFW enforcement; development projects must obtain incidental take permits with mitigation fees under Section 1927.3. Harvesting listed desert native plants without the required county permit violates the Desert Native Plants Act, enforced by the Kern County agricultural commissioner and sheriff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a Joshua tree from my property in Kern County?
Do I need a permit to dig up cactus or yucca on my own land?
Does Kern County have its own tree removal ordinance for ordinary trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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