Bakersfield identifies certain tree species as protected within Title 17 development review and BMC Chapter 12 right-of-way provisions, including native valley oaks, mature heritage trees, and approved street-tree palettes that resist removal.
The Bakersfield Tree Code provisions in BMC Chapter 12 and tree-related sections of Chapter 40 reference protection of specific mature species during development. Native valley oaks and other heritage species along the Kern River corridor receive enhanced protection during construction. Title 17 Zoning landscape standards require preservation of mature trees over a defined trunk size when feasible during site planning. Removal of protected specimens typically requires arborist evaluation and replacement at higher ratios than ordinary trees. Penalties scale with the diameter of the removed tree.
Unauthorized removal of protected trees brings replacement requirements at two-to-one or higher ratios plus fines from 500 to 5,000 dollars depending on tree size.
Bakersfield, CA
Removal of any tree in the Bakersfield public right-of-way requires a permit from the Recreation and Parks Department under BMC Chapter 12.40. Replacement pl...
Bakersfield, CA
Property owners in Bakersfield planting trees in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb must obtain approval from the city Urban Forester under Bakersfi...
See how Bakersfield's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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