Merced County, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

36: aesthetic enhancement, water conservation through indigenous or drought-tolerant species, and reduction of heat and glare. The requirement attaches to subdivision developers in four residential zones, cross-referenced against Table 3-6 (Residential Front Setback Landscaping): one tree per parcel in the 15-foot front setback for R-1 and R-1-5000, one tree per parcel in the 10-foot front setback for M-H, and one tree per parcel in the 20-foot front setback for R-2. The Planning Department and the Department of Public Works must jointly approve both the location and the species before installation, and species are limited to types that will not damage house foundations or sidewalks as they mature; the code directs that one specific drought-resistant species be used per subdivision so plantings read as a consistent streetscape.

The exact tree type has to be locked in before the final map records, and the trees themselves installed before occupancy of each residence unless the Department approves a different schedule. Maintenance responsibility also requires Department and Public Works sign-off on an adequate ongoing watering and care plan. 050(H)(4) requires it be replaced with another street tree, not simply removed or paved over. Multi-family and R-3/R-4 zone screening and interior parking-lot tree requirements are handled separately under subsections F and G of the same section and are not part of this residential street-tree standard.