Tree Protection in Lincoln, CA (2026)
5 verified tree protection rules for Lincoln, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Lincoln does not maintain a stand-alone private-property tree removal permit chapter. Tree removals are regulated through landscape and design review (Lincoln Municipal Code Title 15 Ch. 15.28 and Title 18 Div. VII) and, for oaks, through the City's Oak Tree Mitigation program (Fund 2900). On-site removals tied to a discretionary entitlement (subdivision, design review, building permit) require arborist review and may trigger mitigation fees in lieu of preservation.
Tree Removal Permits in Lincoln, CA
Some RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Lincoln does not adopt a separate 'heritage tree' designation in its Municipal Code. Native oaks (Quercus species) are the City's primary protected-tree category, addressed through Title 15 Ch. 15.28 landscape standards, Title 18 design review, the Oak Tree Mitigation Fund (Fund 2900), and the City's required arborist report and Native Oak Tree Inventory for new development.
Heritage and Landmark Trees in Lincoln, CA
Some RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
When native oaks cannot be avoided on a discretionary project in Lincoln, the City requires mitigation through on-site replacement, off-site planting, or payment into the Oak Tree Mitigation Fund (Fund 2900). Landscape replacement for new development is governed by Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 15.28 and the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (CCR Title 23).
Tree Replacement and Oak Mitigation in Lincoln, CA
Some RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
Lincoln's protection focus is native oaks (genus Quercus) — primarily blue oak (Quercus douglasii), valley oak (Q. lobata), interior live oak (Q. wislizeni), and coast live oak (Q. agrifolia). The City requires a Native Oak Tree Inventory for discretionary projects, with mitigation through Fund 2900. California Public Resources Code Section 21083.4 sets a state floor at five inches dbh for non-commercial oaks.
Protected Tree Species in Lincoln, CA
Some RestrictionsParkway Planting
Street trees and parkway-strip trees in Lincoln are regulated through Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places), Chapter 15.28 (Landscaping), and the City's Public Facilities Improvement Standards, which prescribe approved species, spacing, root-barrier and tree-well details for new subdivisions. Planting, pruning, or removal of trees in the public right-of-way requires City approval.
Parkway and Street Tree Planting in Lincoln, CA
Some RestrictionsLooking for Placer County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lincoln city rules.
Tree Protection in Placer County →