Showing ordinances that apply to Loma Mar, CA
Loma Mar is an unincorporated community (population 134) in San Mateo County, California. Because Loma Mar is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, San Mateo County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The heritage & protected trees rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Under the 2024 Protected Tree Ordinance (No. 4895), San Mateo County designates Heritage Trees based on exceptional size, species rarity, historical significance, or ecological value. Heritage status can be conferred on mature coast live oaks, valley oaks, redwoods, and other native specimens. Removal is rarely permitted except for documented safety emergencies, and damage to a Heritage Tree triggers the most severe penalties under the ordinance, with fines up to $25,000 per tree plus restoration and restitution.
The Protected Tree Ordinance consolidated previous Heritage and Significant Tree protections and established new findings and review criteria for Heritage Tree designation. Criteria considered include: trunk diameter (typically 24+ inches), species rarity or native-range status, historical or cultural significance (trees on historic properties or with documented community importance), and exceptional ecological or aesthetic value (specimens, habitat trees). Residents can nominate trees for Heritage status via the Planning Department; final designation is by the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors. Heritage Trees receive maximum protection: removal requires Planning Commission approval with findings that no alternative exists and removal is necessary for public safety or an unavoidable conflict. Construction projects near Heritage Trees must implement Tree Protection Zones (typically 1 ft radius per inch of DBH), root protection barriers, and have a Certified Arborist on site during ground-disturbing work within the TPZ. Damage to Heritage Trees during construction — including root cutting, grade changes, or trunk damage — triggers both administrative penalties and restitution calculated via the Trunk Formula Method (ISA appraisal).
Unauthorized removal of Heritage Tree: $2,000-$25,000 per tree plus 3:1 replacement with mature stock. Construction damage: $1,000-$10,000 plus remediation and appraised value restitution. Repeat violations: permit moratorium on parcel. Criminal penalties possible under Penal Code §384a (forestry products theft) for egregious cases.
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