Anaheim protects heritage and specimen trees under AMC 18.18.040. Specimen trees include oaks, sycamores, eucalyptus, and pepper trees with 8-inch+ trunk diameter. Planning Commission findings required for removal.
AMC Section 18.18.040 in the Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone protects specimen trees, which include heritage trees with cultural, historical, characteristic, or species value to the community. Specimen trees include Quercus (oak), Eucalyptus, Platanus (sycamore), and Schinus (pepper) varieties with trunk diameters of 8 inches or more measured at 4 feet from ground level. Removal requires a Specimen Tree Removal Permit with Planning Commission findings that: forest management principles are served, reasonable property development requires removal, neighborhood character will not be materially affected, topography necessitates removal, or safety requires it. The Planning Commission may impose conditions including replacement planting. Heritage tree designation may apply to trees of particular historical or cultural significance regardless of species. Unauthorized removal of specimen trees is a serious code violation.
Unauthorized specimen tree removal: code enforcement action, mandatory replacement planting, fines. Damage to heritage trees: potential civil liability plus code penalties.
Anaheim, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle heritage & protected trees.
See how Anaheim's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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