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

020 defines a heritage tree as any tree in the city that the City Council has designated by resolution for its notable historic interest or unusual species or size. 140 declares it Council policy that every heritage tree standing on a public street is protected, recognizing the role trees have played in Carlsbad's history and the range of species the city's climate supports. 090(F) bars removing a heritage tree at all unless a city arborist determines it is creating a hazard to life or property, or the removal goes through the chapter's formal appeals process rather than routine staff approval, a stricter standard than the hazard-or-disease test that applies to an ordinary street tree.

150 gives any person the right to appeal to the Parks and Recreation Commission the removal of a street tree listed as a heritage tree, in addition to appeals over tree selection, siting, or an arborist's removal recommendation for a nonhazardous tree, and to take a final appeal to the City Council within 10 calendar days if the Commission denies it. Appeal fees are set by City Council resolution, and appeals are submitted on a tree appeal form available from the City Clerk's office.