Tree Protection in Rancho Cordova, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Rancho Cordova, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Rancho Cordova's tree ordinance singles out two groups of trees for extra protection: native oaks (valley, interior live, blue, and oracle oak) once their trunk reaches six inches in diameter, and any tree the city council formally designates as a "landmark tree" for its historical or landscape significance, regardless of species or size. Damaging, killing, or removing either without an approved tree permit is a misdemeanor.
Tree Protection: Heritage Trees
Some RestrictionsRancho Cordova Municipal Code (RCMC) § 19.12.030(M),(V)(1) (Definitions — Landmark Trees; Protected Tree — Native Oak)
M. "Landmark trees" means any trees designated by council through resolution as a vital and historical part of the city's landscape such that the trees need to be designated as landmarks for protection and preservation. ... V. "Protected tree" means: 1. Native oak – Quercus lobata, valley oak; Quercus wislizenii, interior live oak; Quercus douglasii, blue oak; or Quercus morehus, oracle oak – h...
Protected Tree Species
Rancho Cordova protects two categories of trees regardless of location: native oaks, valley oak, interior live oak, blue oak, and oracle oak, once their trunk reaches six inches in diameter, and any other tree species once its trunk reaches 12 inches (on nonresidential property) or 24 inches (on residential property). Nursery stock held for sale is excluded.
Tree Protection: Protected Species
Some RestrictionsRancho Cordova Municipal Code (RCMC) § 19.12.030(V)(1)-(3) (Definitions — Protected Tree Species and Size Thresholds)
"Protected tree" means: 1. Native oak – Quercus lobata, valley oak; Quercus wislizenii, interior live oak; Quercus douglasii, blue oak; or Quercus morehus, oracle oak – having a trunk diameter of at least six inches or greater; or 2. Any tree species other than a native oak having a trunk diameter of at least 12 inches or greater on nonresidential property; or 3. Any tree species other than a n...
Parkway Planting
Planting a tree in the parkway strip, planting easement, or any other public right-of-way in Rancho Cordova requires a public tree permit from the public works director: the same permit covers transplanting, trimming, pruning, or removing a public tree, whether it's alive or dead.
Tree Protection: Parkway Planting
Light RestrictionsRancho Cordova Municipal Code (RCMC) § 19.04.070 (Public Tree Permits)
A public tree permit shall be required before any person shall plant, transplant, move, separate, trim, prune, cut above or below the ground, disrupt, alter or do surgery upon any public tree located on a planting easement, street, or public premises, irrespective of whether the tree is alive or dead.
Looking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rancho Cordova city rules.
Tree Protection in Sacramento County →