Hesperia, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected species
- Joshua trees, smoketree, yuccas, mesquites
- Size trigger
- 2" diameter or 6' height
- Creosote rings
- 10+ feet diameter protected
- Joshua trees
- All ages protected
Summary
Hesperia protects specific desert native species, Joshua trees, smoketree, agaves and yuccas, mesquites, and large creosote rings, from removal without a permit citywide.
The following desert native plants, or any part thereof except the fruit, shall not be harvested or removed except under a permit issued by the agricultural commissioner or other applicable reviewing authority:1.The following desert native plants with stems two inches or greater in diameter or six feet or greater in height:a.Dalea, Spinosa (smoketree);b.All species of the family Agavaceae (century plants, nolinas, yuccas);c.All species of the genus Prosopis (mesquites).2.Creosote Rings, ten feet or greater in diameter.3.All Joshua trees (mature and immature).B.All plants protected or regulated by the State Desert Native Plants Act (i.e., Food and Agricultural Code 80001 et seq.) shall be required to comply with the provisions of those statues prior to the issuance of any county development permit or land use application approval. The county agricultural commissioner is the responsible agency for the issuance of any required wood tags, seals or permits. (Ord. 250 (part), 1997; SBCC § 811.0420)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Rather than a discretionary 'heritage tree' list, Hesperia's protected-plant chapter names specific desert native species that cannot be harvested or removed without a permit: smoketree (Dalea spinosa), all Agavaceae (century plants, nolinas, yuccas) and Prosopis (mesquites) with stems 2+ inches in diameter or 6+ feet tall, creosote rings 10 feet or greater in diameter, and all Joshua trees regardless of size or maturity. The chapter's stated purpose is conserving the city's native plant heritage and protecting habitat for species with limited range, including bald eagle perch trees.
Violations & Fines
Harvesting, removing, or possessing a regulated native tree or plant without a valid permit, wood receipt, or tags is unlawful and can result in confiscation, fines under Chapter 1.12, and permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hesperia have a heritage tree list like some cities?
Are all trees on my property protected?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hesperia
California rules heatmap·Compare Hesperia to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle heritage & protected trees.