Tree Protection in Cupertino, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Cupertino, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Only a property owner, or anyone if the tree sits on public or quasi-public land, may apply to have a tree designated heritage under Cupertino Municipal Code § 14.18.070. The Planning Commission decides by resolution, the tree goes on a public heritage tree list, and the City installs a numbered identification tag warning against pruning or cutting.
Cupertino Heritage Tree Designation Rules
Significant RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 14.18.070
Initiated by. ... Application for designation of a heritage tree may only be initiated by the owner of property on which the tree is located, unless the tree is located on public or quasi-public property. Any person may apply for a designation of a heritage tree if the tree(s) are located on public or quasi-public property. ... Approval authority. Application for designation of a heritage tree ...
Protected Tree Species
Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 14.18 protects eleven specific tree species once they reach mature specimen size, plus all heritage trees, in every zoning district. Removing a Coast Live Oak, Valley Oak, Black Oak, Blue Oak, Interior Live Oak, California Buckeye, Big Leaf Maple, Deodar Cedar, Blue Atlas Cedar, Bay Laurel or Western Sycamore without a tree removal permit is a chargeable violation.
Cupertino Protected Tree Species List
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 14.18.050
Except as otherwise provided in Section 14.18.170, the following trees shall not be removed without first obtaining a tree removal permit: Heritage trees in all zoning districts. All mature specimen trees of the following species on private property (see Appendix A): Quercus (native oak tree species), including: Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak); Quercus lobata (Valley Oak); Quercus kelloggii ...
Parkway Planting
Cupertino controls what gets planted in the parkway strip through a City-adopted Master Street Tree List, and only the Tree/Right of Way Supervisor may plant, trim, or remove a public street tree. Planting must follow International Society of Arboricultural Standards.
Cupertino Street Tree Planting Standards
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 14.12.050
The Tree/Right of Way Supervisor, or his/her designee, is charged with the duty of promptly determining the types and species of trees suitable and desirable for planting and the public areas in which the conditions under which such trees shall be planted in. ... When approved by the City Council the resolution shall be known as the Master Street Tree List, shall be placed on file in the office...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cupertino city rules.
Tree Protection in Santa Clara County →