Resolution No. 25425 - Palm Tree Trimming Policy
Summary
SCH Number
2026070692
Public Agency
City of Palm Springs
Document Title
Resolution No. 25425 - Palm Tree Trimming Policy
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/17/2026
Document Description
On July 8, 2026, the City of Palm Springs approved a resolution to adopt a palm tree trimming policy, superseding all previous palm tree trimming procedures and policies. The Policy permits minor trimming (fruit pod removal, trunk skinning, and/or shearing) of palm trees within the public right of way to promote public safety. The City is home to one of the largest compositions of heritage quality California Fan Palms. Recent storm events demonstrated that palm trees in their natural state posed a public safety risk. The policy does not permit tree removal of any sort.
Contact Information
Name
Michele Alley
Agency Name
City of Palm Springs
Job Title
Administrative Assistant
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Name
David McAbee
Agency Name
City of Palm Springs
Job Title
Director of Public Works
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
Palm Springs
Counties
Riverside
Regions
Citywide, Southern California
Other Location Info
City Wide
Within the boundaries of the City of Palm Springs
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 - State CEQA Guidelines 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land)
Reasons for Exemption
The Policy is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304, Minor Alterations to Land (Class 4). The Class 4 exemption allows minor public alterations in the condition of land, which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees. The Policy permits minor alterations to specific palm trees, limited to fruit pod removal, trunk skinning, and/or shearing, in certain public areas for public safety. As amended by the City Council at its July 8, 2026, meeting, the Council further limited the scope of locations where trees skirts are to be trimmed. The policy does not permit tree removal of any sort. No exceptions pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply.
County Clerk
Riverside
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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