Apple Valley, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Development Code § 9.76.040
- Age threshold
- 40 years old
- Height/width threshold
- 15 feet
- Trunk threshold
- 12 inches at 4 ft height
- Front setback relief cap
- 10% / 7.5 ft max
- Transplant frequency limit
- Once per 10 years
Summary
Apple Valley designates Joshua trees as protected, requiring Town review before any existing Joshua tree is disturbed, moved, removed or destroyed anywhere in town, regardless of zoning district. Trees meeting age, height and trunk-size thresholds must be preserved in place unless the applicant proves no development alternative exists.
no existing Joshua Tree shall be disturbed, moved (transplanted or otherwise), removed or destroyed unless such disturbance, move, removal or destruction is first reviewed and approved by the Town of Apple Valley... 1.A Joshua Tree that is known, by historic record, including pictures or written description, to be at least forty (40) years old.2.A Joshua Tree which has a width of at least fifteen (15) feet as measured from the furthest point of outstretched branches...3.A Joshua Tree which is at least fifteen (15) feet in height...4.A Joshua Tree which has a trunk measuring at least twelve (12) inches in diameter as measured four (4) feet from the ground.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
040(A) states no existing Joshua tree shall be disturbed, moved, removed or destroyed unless first reviewed and approved by the Town Manager or designee, with review forms available through the Planning Division. 040(F), such as that the tree blocks an approved structure, street access, or is hazardous to travel as determined by the Town Engineer. 5 feet) and up to 20 percent side or rear-yard reductions. Removed trees must be transplanted or stockpiled under a Desert Native Plant Expert's maintenance plan, with survival reports due every six months, and the Town maintains a public Joshua Tree Preservation and Adoption Program listing available and transplanted trees. No Joshua tree may be transplanted more than once in any ten-year period absent Planning Commission approval of an interim one-year storage location.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized disturbance, removal or destruction of a Joshua tree is a misdemeanor under Section 9.76.040(H), with each tree treated as a separate offense. The court can order the violator to retain a Desert Native Plant Expert to fund and implement a replacement or revegetation program at another location, such as a public park, and to post a bond covering two years of plant survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a Joshua tree from my own property in Apple Valley?
Which Joshua trees are protected from removal?
Can setbacks be reduced to save a Joshua tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Apple Valley
California rules heatmap·Compare Apple Valley to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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