Tree Protection in Stockton, CA (2026)
5 verified tree protection rules for Stockton, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Stockton requires a permit from the Community Development Director to plant, remove, replace, or relocate any tree located in a street right-of-way, public utility easement adjacent to a street, park, or other public place. Permits expire 60 days after issuance.
Street Tree Removal Permits (SMC Ch. 12.64 / 16.162)
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Stockton protects three native oak species — Valley Oak (Quercus lobata), Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), and Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizenii) — as Heritage Trees on both public and private property. A Heritage Tree Permit from the Community Development Director is required to remove or effectively remove a heritage tree, except in emergencies.
Heritage Oak Tree Protection (SMC Ch. 16.130)
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Heritage trees removed under permit must be replaced 3-for-1, minimum 15-gallon stock, planted on-site where feasible. Street trees removed under SMC 12.64 require replacement as a condition of the permit, and fines collected for illegal removals are dedicated to replacement plantings.
Tree Replacement and Mitigation Requirements (SMC 16.130, 16.56)
Heavy RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
Stockton's protected-species list under SMC 16.130 is limited to three native California oaks: Valley Oak (Quercus lobata), Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), and Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizenii). There is no statewide California ordinance protecting these species on private property — protection is established locally.
Protected Tree Species (Native Oaks under SMC 16.130)
Heavy RestrictionsParkway Planting
Planting in a Stockton parkway (the strip between curb and sidewalk), tree well, or other public right-of-way requires a permit from the Director and the species must come from the City's Master Tree List, with sizing matched to the park-strip width or tree-well dimensions.
Parkway and Street Tree Planting (SMC Ch. 12.64 / Master Tree List)
Some RestrictionsLooking 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 →