Yucaipa, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

The landscape standards sit in Chapter 13 of Division DC7 of the Yucaipa Development Code. Section 87.1305(b) applies them to all new development projects in the City of Yucaipa, and subsection (c) requires every project to maintain its approved landscaping. Section 87.1310 opens by requiring drought tolerant vegetation appropriate to the local climate.

The tree table in Section 87.1310(b) sets quantity and size: one 15-gallon tree for each 600 square feet of total landscaped area as a minimum, at least 80 percent of required trees at 15 gallon or larger, at least one tree per every 12 parking stalls, and 20 percent of required trees in 24-to-96-inch boxes. Spacing is capped at 20 feet on center for small trees and 30 feet on center for large trees and street trees. Typical landscape trees sit a minimum of 6 feet from curbs, paving and sidewalks. Street trees in the parkway between sidewalk and curb must have a linear root barrier. Projects use both deciduous and evergreen trees, and buffer areas use evergreens.

Existing street trees follow Chapter 12.08 of the Municipal Code. Section 12.08.010 defines a parkway as the part of the sidewalk that is unimproved or contains trees or groundcover, and Section 12.08.030 requires the abutting owner to maintain groundcover and trees there. Section 12.08.020(D) notes that many street trees predate the city Standard Drawings limiting tree type near sidewalks, curbs, gutters and utilities, so a replacement tree must follow Standard Drawing Nos. 510 and 520.

Planning area guidance in Division DC6 adds design intent, using should language: large spreading canopy street trees for Dunlap Acres, and a variety of distinctive street trees for the Central Core.