Tree Replacement Requirements: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Lincoln has fewer restrictions than Rocklin.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
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).
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
Rocklin Muni. Code Ch. 17.77 imposes mitigation for every regulated oak removed from a residential developed lot. Healthy non-heritage oaks (6-24" DBH) require planting TWO five-gallon native oak trees per removed tree, OR an in-lieu fee per tree. Heritage oaks (24"+ DBH) require FIVE five-gallon native oaks per removed tree, OR a higher in-lieu fee. Replacement trees must be native species (typically Interior Live Oak, Blue Oak, or Valley Oak).
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| Mitigation fund | Oak Tree Mitigation Fund (Fund 2900) | - |
| Mitigation options | On-site / off-site planting / in-lieu fee | - |
| Landscape replacement chapter | LMC Ch. 15.28 | - |
| Water-efficient standard | MWELO (CCR Title 23 Secs. 490 et seq.) | - |
| CEQA replacement basis | PRC 21083.4(b) | - |
| Healthy oak ratio | - | 2 five-gallon native oaks per tree removed |
| Heritage oak ratio | - | 5 five-gallon native oaks per tree removed |
| In-lieu fund | - | Rocklin Oak Tree Preservation Fund |
| Replacement species | - | Native Quercus (Interior Live, Blue, Valley Oak) |
| Fee setter | - | City Council by resolution |
| Dead-tree waiver | - | Mitigation waived with certified arborist report |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
Is there a fixed replacement ratio for removed oaks?
Lincoln does not publish a single fixed replacement ratio in code; mitigation is determined case-by-case during design review based on the arborist report, project impact, and feasible on-site planting. Where on-site planting is not feasible, applicants pay into the Oak Tree Mitigation Fund (Fund 2900).
Do I have to use drought-tolerant replacement species?
Yes. Lincoln's LMC Ch. 15.28 incorporates California MWELO requirements (CCR Title 23 Secs. 490 et seq.), which require water-efficient and predominantly low-water-use plants for qualifying new and rehabilitated landscapes.
Can I plant any tree to satisfy mitigation?
Replacement plantings for oak mitigation are generally required to be native or compatible species approved by the City Arborist or Planning Director, per the project's approved landscape plan.
Rocklin FAQ
Can I plant the replacement oaks somewhere other than my lot?
Typically Planning requires the replacement trees to be planted on the same parcel where the removal occurred. If on-site planting is infeasible (no space, soil unsuitable), the in-lieu fee option satisfies the mitigation obligation and the City uses the fund for off-site planting.
Do replacement trees have to be a specific species?
Yes. Replacement trees must be native oak species - typically Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizeni), Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii), or Valley Oak (Quercus lobata). Non-native ornamental oaks and non-oak trees do not satisfy the mitigation requirement.
What size replacement tree is required?
Five-gallon container stock is the standard required size. Larger boxed trees may be substituted at Planning's discretion, but smaller (1-gallon) stock does not satisfy the ordinance.
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