Livermore, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Native species covered
- 15 species, § 12.20.160(B)
- Native residential threshold
- 24 in. CBH, § 12.20.160(M)(1)(b)
- Any-species residential threshold
- 60 in. CBH
- Commercial/multifamily threshold
- 24 in. CBH, any species
- Protected zone minimum
- 10 ft from trunk, § 12.20.160(N)
- Permit needed to remove
- Yes, § 12.20.190
Summary
Livermore's tree preservation ordinance protects any California native tree of 15 listed species once it reaches 24 inches in circumference at breast height on single-family residential land. A removal or encroachment permit is required unless an exemption applies.
"California native" tree means:
Alder, White (Alnus rhombifolia) Bay, California (Umbellularia californica) Buckeye, California (Aesculus californica) Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) Maple, Big Leaf (Acer macrophyllum) Oak, Blue (Quercus douglasii) Oak, California Black (Quercus kelloggii) Oak, Canyon Live (Quercus chrysolepis) Oak, Coast Live (Quercus agrifolia) Oak, Interior Live (Quercus wislizenii) Oak, Scrub (Quercus berberidifolia) Oak, Valley (Quercus lobata) Pine, Grey (Pinus sabiniana) Sycamore, California (Platanus racemosa)
Walnut, California Black (Juglans hindsii californica). ... Any California native tree having a circumference (CBH) of 24 inches or more.
Full Breakdown
160(B) defines 'California native' tree to mean 15 specific species, including Alder White, California Bay, California Buckeye, Madrone, Big Leaf Maple, six named oaks (Blue, California Black, Canyon Live, Coast Live, Interior Live, Scrub, and Valley), Grey Pine, California Sycamore, and California Black Walnut. 160(M)(1), a protected tree on single-family residential property includes any tree at all reaching 60 inches CBH, but for these listed native species the threshold drops to just 24 inches CBH, giving native trees stronger protection than non-native species on the same lot.
On commercial, industrial, institutional, mixed-use or multifamily land the 24-inch CBH threshold applies to any tree regardless of species, and on undeveloped land proposed for new development or in an open space, riparian or habitat area, any tree of 18 inches CBH or more is protected. 160(N) as extending at least 10 feet from the trunk, without a tree permit issued under the article. 200 exempts routine International Society of Arboriculture-standard maintenance, ordinary landscape activity, trees damaged by a declared natural disaster and found dangerous by an official, public utility emergency work, active firefighting removals, and licensed nursery stock from the permit requirement.
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging a protected tree, or encroaching into its protected zone, without a tree permit violates § 12.20.190 and is administered and enforced by the Director under § 12.20.180. Damage under § 12.20.160(F) covers cutting, improper pruning, topping, poisoning, overwatering, relocating, or trenching, excavating or paving within the protected zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which native trees get extra protection under Livermore's tree ordinance?
At what size does a native tree on my Livermore lot become protected?
Can I remove a protected tree without a permit if it's dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Livermore
California rules heatmap·Compare Livermore to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle protected tree species.