Tulare Municipal Code Ch 8.52 (Preservation of Heritage Trees) makes it unlawful to destroy or remove any heritage tree on public OR private property within city limits without a permit. Parkway/street trees in the public right-of-way are separately governed by Ch 8.32 and also require a permit before removal. Permits are issued by the Parks and Recreation Department at 830 S. Blackstone St.
§ 8.52.020 states: 'No person shall destroy or remove any heritage tree growing on private or public property within the city limits without a permit, except as provided in this chapter.' Applications go to the Parks Department under § 8.52.030, which evaluates the tree's health and the necessity of removal. For trees in the parkway (between sidewalk and curb), property owners file a Notice of Intent to Remove. If the tree is alive, the owner must obtain a Certified Arborist report recommending removal and submit it to Parks and Recreation; the Department typically responds within 3-5 business days. If approved, a no-fee permit is issued. Heritage trees on private property follow the same review path but the protection extends to ANY tree meeting the heritage definition, regardless of location. Removal without a permit is a code violation prosecutable under the City's general penalty provisions.
Removing or destroying a heritage tree without a permit violates § 8.52.020 and is enforceable through the City's general penalty chapter. Unauthorized removal of a parkway/street tree under Ch 8.32 is also a violation; the City can require replacement at the owner's expense with a species from the City Street Tree Master Plan.
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