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

Section 9.30.120(A) lets any person initiate a heritage tree application, subject to the property owner's written consent, by submitting the parcel's assessor's parcel number, a description of the tree's special aesthetic, cultural, or historic value to the community, and photographs. The Protected Tree Advisory Committee reviews the application under subsection B and may designate a tree as a heritage tree on a finding that it is unique and important to the community because it is an outstanding specimen of a desirable species, one of significant age and/or girth in the City, or a tree with agricultural, cultural, economic, educational, historical, indigenous, or social heritage significance in the City.

Subsection C requires the Committee to hold a public hearing within 30 days after the application is deemed complete and to approve, deny, or continue the hearing for more information. If approved, subsection D requires the City to record the designation with the County Recorder's Office, provide a copy to the property owner and the Department, and list the tree on the historic resources inventory maintained by the Department. Subsection E requires the hearing to follow the public-hearing notice procedures of Chapter 88 of Title 9, plus a posted sign at the site at least 10 calendar days before the hearing identifying the application and the hearing's date, time, and place. Once designated, a heritage tree becomes a protected tree under Section 9.30.040(A), meaning it cannot be removed from private property without a tree removal permit under Section 9.30.060.