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

09. The stated purpose is to preserve cultural heritage, enhance the community's scenic beauty, provide shade, improve air quality, help control soil and slope erosion, and preserve property values. Designation is not automatic or citywide: subsection (c) defines a Heritage Tree as any tree or group of trees nominated by any person, but only with the written consent of the property owner, then recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission and formally identified by City Council resolution. The Council must find the tree meets at least one of four criteria: historic association with a significant place, building, feature or event; identification on a historic or cultural resources survey as a feature of a landmark, historic site or district; representing a significant period of the City's growth through a dedicated planting by citizens, civic groups or the City; or notable for its age, beauty or uniqueness, particularly where the species has natural-history or ecological significance.

Once the Council approves a designation, the City Clerk must notify the property owner in writing, and the Public Works and Planning Departments keep a list of designated trees and their locations. Owners must use reasonable efforts to maintain a designated tree in good health, and any grading, excavation, demolition or construction within a tree protection zone of 10 times the trunk diameter requires a certified arborist's tree protection plan approved by the Director of Public Works before any grading or construction permit issues.