Protected Tree Species: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do protected tree species rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Lincoln and Rocklin have similar restriction levels.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
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.
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
Rocklin's tree protection ordinance (Ch. 17.77) protects only oak trees - specifically native species of the genus Quercus, including Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizeni), Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii), and Valley Oak (Quercus lobata). The City of Rocklin has no general 'heritage tree' protection covering non-oak species on private property; conifers, fruit trees, and ornamental species are not regulated for removal. Street trees of any species in the public right-of-way ARE regulated under Title 12 Ch. 12.08.
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| Protected genus | Quercus (native oaks) | Quercus (native oaks) |
| Common local species | Q. douglasii, Q. lobata, Q. wislizeni, Q. agrifolia | - |
| State threshold | 5 in. dbh (PRC 21083.4) | - |
| Required submittal | Native Oak Tree Inventory | - |
| Non-native trees | Generally not protected on private lots | - |
| Common protected species | - | Interior Live Oak, Blue Oak, Valley Oak |
| Threshold | - | 6" DBH at 4.5 ft above root crown |
| Unprotected on private land | - | Pines, redwoods, fruit trees, ornamentals |
| Street trees | - | All species protected under Title 12 Ch. 12.08 |
| State CEQA backstop | - | Cal. Pub. Res. Code Sec. 21083.4 oak woodland |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
Is my ornamental tree protected?
Lincoln does not categorically protect non-native ornamental trees on built single-family lots. Protection focuses on native oaks (Quercus species) and on trees in the public right-of-way under LMC Title 12.
Are blue oaks specifically protected?
Blue oak (Quercus douglasii) is one of the native Quercus species captured by Lincoln's arborist-report and Native Oak Tree Inventory requirement, and by PRC 21083.4 at five inches dbh. Placer County's February 2025 Vista Ranch acquisition north of Lincoln specifically targeted blue oak woodlands for conservation.
What counts as 'native' for Lincoln's purposes?
Lincoln follows CEQA's definition: a native tree species in the genus Quercus not designated as commercial Group A or Group B species under Public Resources Code Section 4526.
Rocklin FAQ
Is the redwood in my front yard protected?
Not by city ordinance. Rocklin's tree protection (Ch. 17.77) covers only native oaks. A coast redwood, deodar cedar, or other non-oak on your private property may be removed without a city permit. Check HOA rules, which may impose separate restrictions.
What about street trees in the parkway strip?
Street trees in the public right-of-way - regardless of species - are protected under Title 12 Ch. 12.08. Removal, topping, or paving over the root zone requires written authorization from the City Manager.
Does the protection apply to ornamental hybrid oaks I planted myself?
The ordinance protects oaks 6" DBH or larger regardless of how they got there. If a non-native or hybrid ornamental oak you planted reaches 6" DBH, it is technically regulated. Replacement plantings must, however, be native Quercus species.
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