Headwater Forest Preservation District

The forest preservation area of the headwaters forms a lush urban landscape, gives moisture and comfort to citizens' lives, and preserves the forest land in the suburbs, which contributes to securing water and flood control functions in the conservation and rivers.
We designate approximately 280ha (as of April 1, 2024) in the city.

• Ordinances to create and nurture a green environment (June 1973 Ordinance No. 47, recently revised June 25, 2010 Ordinance No. 33) (outside site)
• Yokohama-shi headwater forest preservation business operation summary (recent revision April 1, 2024) (PDF: 237KB)

It covers cohesive forest areas covered with canopies of more than 1,000 square meters in the urbanization adjustment area.
(The site of the building and the land required to maintain or fulfill its utility are not eligible. (Summary "Appendix 1") (PDF: 61KB)）
Land owners who own green space that meets standard and want to receive designation, please submit "forest preservation district designation application (consent) book of headwaters" (PDF: 243KB) to the mayor.
The city will examine based on the application form, and if it conforms to the standards, the landowner and the city (mayor) must sign a forest preservation contract for more than 10 years.
Cancellation during the contract is limited to public land use or unforeseen circumstances such as inheritance to the contractor.

We are recruiting from time to time.

Information on "Headwater Forest Preservation District" (PDF: 481KB)

Headwater Forest Preservation District Designation Application (Consent) Form (PDF: 243KB)

1. The property tax on the designated land will be reduced.
2. If the contract is renewed at the end of the contract, a lump-sum payment will be issued.

However, there is no lump-sum payment for land designated as a special green area conservation area or a protected forest.

The management of the contracted land is to be managed by the landowner himself so that the current situation of the forest land is good.

If it is designated as a headwater forest, the following development activities will not be possible.

• Installation of buildings and structures
• Development of residential land, reclamation of land, collection of debris, change of land characteristics
• The felling of wood and bamboo and other acts that affect the conservation of the forest area

However, you may perform normal forest management such as pruning and thinning.
If you violate, you will be required to cancel the contract and designation based on the outline and pay a penalty.

Contractors in the headwaters forest preservation area need to consult with the city when they intend to perform the following actions or when the following grounds occur.

1. When taking disaster prevention measures necessary for the preservation and management of land
2. When transferring ownership involving the succession of the headwater forest preservation contract
3. In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as inheritance, making it difficult to continue the contract
4. When conducting a public business or setting up a structure related to a public interest business, and it is difficult to fulfill its utility unless it is installed in the headwater forest preservation area.

Green Environment Bureau Park and Green Area Park and Green Area Business Division (Green Area conservation): 045-671-3534