Chapter 3 — MOUNTAIN FOREST AND VALLEY TREE CONSERVATION

Additionally, the City finds that it is in the public interest in the valley area to provide for the conservation and wise use of our tree resources through management regulations, guidelines, and enforcement. It is also the purpose of this chapter to augment and coordinate with the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s efforts to properly implement the mandates of the State Forest Practice Act of 1973, as amended.

(a) Private Tree Harvesting

The provisions of this chapter shah apply to all native trees (except for oak trees) growing on private land within the City of Yucaipa and on public land owned by the City of Yucaipa.

(b) Commercial Tree Harvesting

The commercial harvesting of trees shall be prohibited, except as allowed by and authorized by the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in accordance with the Forest Practice Act of 1973, as amended.

Except as otherwise provided by this Division, any person who intends to remove a living native tree with a six-inch or greater stem diameter, measured at 4.5 feet above the average ground level of the tree base, shall first obtain approval from the City to do so in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Division. For the purposes of the chapter, three or more trees in linear plantings which are 50 feet or greater in length within established windrows or parkway plantings shall be considered to be heritage trees and shall be subject to the provisions of this Division regarding trees.