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

Livermore does not have a separate landmark-tree ordinance; instead, LMC § 12.20.160(A) defines an "ancestral tree" as "any tree determined by the City Council to be an ancestral tree based upon a finding that the particular tree is unique and of importance to the public due to its age, size, appearance, location, ecological value, habitat value, historical and/or cultural significance." Once so designated, the tree is automatically brought under Article II's protections: LMC § 12.20.160(M) lists "[a]ny tree designated by the City Council as determined to be an ancestral tree" and "[a]ny tree listed on the City's ancestral tree inventory" as categories of "protected tree," alongside any tree required to be planted as mitigation for an unlawfully removed tree. The "City's ancestral tree inventory" is itself defined in LMC § 12.20.160(C) as "the inventory of trees compiled under Ordinance 902," showing the designation program predates the current chapter and was folded into it.

Because an ancestral tree is a protected tree, removing, damaging, or encroaching into its protected zone (the dripline plus 5 feet, never less than 10 feet from the trunk under LMC § 12.20.160(N)) requires the same tree permit under LMC § 12.20.190 as any other protected tree, and the same findings under LMC § 12.20.210(C) apply. Notably, LMC § 12.20.210(C)(3) carves out an extra hurdle for removing a non-native tree from a single-family rear yard: the applicant must show the tree is not an ancestral tree and not of unique public importance based on size, appearance, location, or historical/cultural significance before the ordinary hardship findings can even be considered.

During construction near any protected tree, including an ancestral one, LMC § 12.20.220 lets the Director require professional consultation and protective measures at the applicant's expense: a 3-foot-high highly visible fence around the protection zone, a bar on cutting, filling, compacting or paving the ground surface within it, and a prohibition on storing oil, gasoline, chemicals or other harmful materials there.