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

Monterey City Code § 37-12 creates the local landmark tree category to protect and preserve trees for their outstanding size, prominence or health. To even be eligible, a tree must meet minimum objective criteria set by species: an oak needs a 10-inch trunk diameter at 4'6" above natural grade, 20 feet of height from grade to canopy top, and must be prominently visible from a public street, parking area, park or open space from at least 100 feet away; a conifer needs a 12-inch diameter, 30 feet of height, and the same 100-foot visibility test; a non-native ornamental needs a 10-inch diameter, 15 feet of height, and the same visibility test.

Meeting those thresholds only makes a tree eligible, the Planning Commission must still affirmatively designate it after finding at least one of five further qualities: special beauty or horticultural/historic interest, significant visibility from City streets, parks or open space, a significant contribution to the City's forested skyline, rarity for the area, or being a particularly outstanding representative of its species. A landmark tree must also be healthy enough to show at least a 70 percent chance of surviving more than 10 years. Designation requires notifying the property owner and adjacent owners before any hearing, and the owner's consent is required; once designated, the City tags the tree 'LOCAL LANDMARK TREE, do not trim or remove without City approval,' and the City Forester inspects it at least twice a year at no cost to the owner (with the owner's permission to enter).

Removal of a landmark tree is only allowed if it is unhealthy, a safety hazard, or blocks reasonable development, under the same standards used for ordinary protected-tree removals in §§ 37-10 and 37-11; setback variations and variances are also expressly available to help preserve a landmark tree that constrains development. Designation decisions can be appealed to the City Council under Chapter 38, Article 27.