Tree Protection in Stockton, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Stockton, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Stockton designates Valley Oak, Coast Live Oak and Interior Live Oak trees with a 16-inch or greater trunk diameter as heritage trees. Removing one, on public or private property, requires a Director-issued permit under Development Code Chapter 16.130, and removal without one draws a fine.
Stockton Heritage Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsStockton Development Code § 16.130.010-.060 (Heritage Tree Permit); Division 8 (Glossary) "Heritage Tree"
Heritage Tree. Any Quercus lobata (commonly known as "Valley Oak"), Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak), and Quercus wislizenii (Interior Live Oak) tree which is located on public or private property within the limits of the City, and which has a trunk diameter of 16 inches or more, measured at 24 inches above actual grade. ... Anyone removing or effectively removing... a heritage tree(s) withou...
Protected Tree Species
Stockton's protection extends to only three native oak species once their trunks reach a set size: Valley Oak, Coast Live Oak, and Interior Live Oak. Every other tree species in the city, and smaller oaks of these species, fall outside the heritage tree ordinance entirely.
Protected Tree Species in Stockton
Some RestrictionsStockton Development Code, Division 8 (Glossary), "Heritage Tree"
Heritage Tree. Any Quercus lobata (commonly known as "Valley Oak"), Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak), and Quercus wislizenii (Interior Live Oak) tree which is located on public or private property within the limits of the City, and which has a trunk diameter of 16 inches or more, measured at 24 inches above actual grade. For Oak trees of the species mentioned above, with multiple trunks, the ...
Parkway Planting
Stockton Municipal Code § 16.162.030 requires a Director-issued permit before anyone plants, removes, replaces, or relocates a street tree in the parkway or right-of-way, including utility companies working under a City franchise. Routine trimming, pruning, and maintenance don't need one. Planting itself must follow the location standards in § 16.72.180, and the permit expires 60 days after it's issued.
Stockton Street Tree Planting Permit
Some RestrictionsStockton Municipal Code § 16.162.030
A. Permit Required. 1. A permit from the Director shall be required for anyone, including a utility company operating under a franchise granted by the City of Stockton, to plant, remove or effectively remove, replace, or relocate a street tree. 2. The application fee will be waived for the removal of street trees and stumps on the Public Works tree and stump removal list that are subject to a b...
Looking for San Joaquin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Stockton city rules.
Tree Protection in San Joaquin County →