Heritage & Protected Trees: Lodi vs Stockton

Is my 100-year-old oak in the backyard protected?

Not by City of Lodi ordinance. Lodi has no heritage or landmark tree designation, and no permit is required to remove a mature private-property tree regardless of size, age, or species.

Does California state law protect heritage trees in Lodi?

No. The CEQA oak woodland mitigation statute (Public Resources Code § 21083.4) applies only to counties evaluating projects, not to cities like Lodi. Statewide heritage tree protection bills (e.g., SB 754) have not passed into binding citywide rules.

What about a tree my grandparents donated to the City?

Donated City trees receive a notification courtesy: under the 2016 Tree Policy §II.C.2, staff must notify the service club or individual donor of impending removal prior to approving plans and specifications, if possible. This is procedural, not protective.

Which oaks count as heritage trees in Stockton?

Three California native oak species: Valley Oak (Quercus lobata), Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), and Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizenii). Non-native oaks (e.g., cork oak, red oak) and other species are not heritage trees under SMC 16.130, though they may be subject to landscaping or street-tree rules.

What if my heritage oak is dead or dying?

You still need a Heritage Tree Permit, but the application is much more likely to be approved. Submit an arborist report documenting the tree's condition. Replacement at the 3:1 ratio is still typically required unless the Director waives it.

What about emergencies — a heritage oak just fell on my house?

SMC 16.130 allows emergency removal where the tree poses an immediate threat to health or safety. Document the condition with photos and notify Community Development as soon as practical. Emergency removals generally do not require replacement.