Hesperia Municipal Code Chapter 16.24 (Protected Plants) protects native Mojave Desert vegetation, with the Western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) as the primary protected species. Joshua trees are additionally protected statewide as a candidate threatened species under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act of 2023 (Fish & Game Code §1927 et seq.). Other commonly protected desert species in Hesperia development reviews include Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera), desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), juniper (Juniperus californica), and Joshua tree clonal groups. A Protected Plant Preservation Plan is required whenever development affects these species.
Hesperia sits within the western Mojave Desert and is one of the most Joshua-tree-dense jurisdictions in California. Hesperia MC §16.24 implements a city-level protection regime, and the city actively coordinates with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on take permits for Western Joshua trees. The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (FGC §§1927-1927.6) makes it unlawful to remove, trim, damage, move, or kill a Western Joshua tree without a CDFW permit. Hesperia's Planning Division requires biological surveys identifying protected plants for discretionary projects, and disposition of trees follows a transplant-first hierarchy.
Take of a Western Joshua tree without a CDFW permit can result in civil penalties under Fish & Game Code §12000 and revocation of city entitlements. Damaging other protected native plants in violation of Hesperia MC Ch. 16.24 can lead to bond forfeiture and stop-work orders.
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Hesperia, CA
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