Tulare, CA Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

§ 8.32.170 ('Tree planting requirements for new residential construction') requires new residential developments to plant street trees of a species approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission, taken from 15-gallon containers, staked to city standards, and spaced generally at 35 feet on center. § 8.32.150 covers tree well installation, planting, and maintenance for hardscape areas. When a property owner removes a parkway tree (with or without a permit), the City may require replacement with an approved street tree from the City Street Tree Master Plan species list. For heritage trees removed under Ch 8.52, the Parks Department may require replacement plantings as a condition of the permit. Ch 10.196 ('Landscaping') and § 8.24.460 ('Trees and landscaping') govern landscape design plans for new developments, including required tree quantities per parking-lot square footage and frontage. State-level Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, CCR Title 23 §§ 490-495) layers in additional irrigation/drought requirements for replacement plantings on projects >500 sq ft.