San Benito County, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Heritage tree
- 36+ inch trunk diameter
- Landmark tree
- Board of Supervisors designation
- No shortcut
- Exempt from 1-tree/5-year allowance
- Definition source
- § 25.09.002 glossary
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County gives extra protection to 'trees of special protection', heritage trees 36 inches or more in trunk diameter and Board-designated landmark trees, exempting them from the county's routine one-tree-per-five-years removal allowance.
TREES OF SPECIAL PROTECTION. Shall include any of the following: (1) HERITAGE TREES. Any tree, regardless of species, which has a trunk diameter of 36 inches or greater measured four and one-half feet above the ground; ... and/or (d) A LANDMARK TREE. Any tree or grove of trees, or type of tree, designated by resolution of the Board of Supervisors to be of historical or cultural value, an outstanding specimen, an unusual or native species and/or of significant community benefit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
The county's tree glossary (§ 25.09.002) defines 'trees of special protection' to include HERITAGE TREES, any tree with a trunk diameter of 36 inches or greater measured four and one-half feet above ground, trees preserved on an approved development plan, mitigation/replacement trees, and Board-designated LANDMARK TREES of historical, cultural or community value. Under § 25.07.018(E)(1), the Planning Director may normally approve removal of one tree per parcel every five years without written findings, but that shortcut does not apply to trees of special protection, removing a heritage or landmark tree always requires the full findings-based review.
Violations & Fines
Removing or seriously harming a designated heritage or landmark tree without going through the full permit findings is an infraction under Chapter 1.03, punishable per day the violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a 'heritage tree' in unincorporated San Benito County?
Can I remove a heritage tree using the county's routine one-tree-every-five-years allowance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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