Anaheim, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

12 of the Anaheim Municipal Code, adopted by Ordinance 5747 in December 2000, gives the City Council authority to designate a landmark tree upon recommendation of the Director of Community Services. 010 limits eligible trees to those on public property, and directs the Council to weigh the tree's age, size, shape, species, location, historical association, visual quality or other contribution to the City's character. 020 bars removal without prior Council approval, which must rest on at least one specific finding: the tree threatens public health or safety due to its condition, risk of falling, proximity to structures, interference with utilities, or disease/pest hosting; removal is necessary for construction or reasonable enjoyment of adjoining property; the tree adversely affects soil or water retention or drainage; removal will not adversely affect shade, air quality, historic value or scenic beauty given other trees in the area; or removal follows good forestry practice given the parcel's tree-carrying capacity.

030 lets the Council attach conditions to any approved removal, such as replanting on the same property or elsewhere in the City, requiring an ongoing maintenance program for remaining landmark trees, or dedicating City funds toward replacement stock if no suitable replanting site exists. 040 allows the Council, at its sole discretion, to rescind a landmark designation entirely if it later determines the original criteria no longer support it. 040.