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

Under Section 15-2308(B), an applicant files with the DARM Department an Assessor's parcel number, a description of the tree's aesthetic, cultural, or historic value, and photographs; owner consent is mandatory for private parcels. The Director reviews the nomination and may recommend designation if the tree is an outstanding specimen of a desirable species, is of significant age or girth for the city, or carries agricultural, cultural, economic, educational, historical, indigenous, or social heritage significance. The Planning Commission must hold a public hearing within 30 days of a complete application and can approve, deny, or continue it for more information.

Notice runs through Section 15-5007's public-hearing procedures, and the Department must post a sign on the site or tree at least ten calendar days before the hearing identifying the application and hearing details. If the Commission approves the designation, the City records it with the Fresno County Recorder's Office, sends copies to the property owner and the DARM Department, and adds the tree to the historic resources inventory the Department maintains. Once designated, a Heritage Tree becomes a Protected Tree under Section 15-2308(C): it cannot be removed, pruned, or materially altered without a Tree Removal Permit, though routine trimming remains allowed without one.

Heritage Tree removal requests bypass the Director entirely, the Planning Commission is the sole review authority for standalone requests, and any request tied to a development application first goes to the Protected Tree Advisory Committee for a recommendation.