Cupertino, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Who can apply
- Owner (private land) or any person (public land)
- Decision maker
- Planning Commission, by resolution
- Application needs
- Parcel number, significance write-up, photos
- Public record
- City heritage tree list, Sec. 14.18.080
- ID tag phone
- (408) 777-3308, Planning Division
- Removal review
- Planning Commission only, Sec. 14.18.070C
Summary
Only a property owner, or anyone if the tree sits on public or quasi-public land, may apply to have a tree designated heritage under Cupertino Municipal Code § 14.18.070. The Planning Commission decides by resolution, the tree goes on a public heritage tree list, and the City installs a numbered identification tag warning against pruning or cutting.
Initiated by. ... Application for designation of a heritage tree may only be initiated by the owner of property on which the tree is located, unless the tree is located on public or quasi-public property. Any person may apply for a designation of a heritage tree if the tree(s) are located on public or quasi-public property. ... Approval authority. Application for designation of a heritage tree shall be referred to the Planning Commission for review and determination in accordance with Chapter 19.12 of the Cupertino Municipal Code. The Planning Commission, may, by resolution, designate a tree or grove of trees as a heritage tree(s).
Full Breakdown
070 confines who can start a heritage tree designation: the property owner where the tree stands on private land, or any person where it stands on public or quasi-public property. The application must include the parcel's assessor's parcel number, a written description of the tree's special aesthetic, cultural or historical significance to the community, and photographs of the tree. 12's notice and hearing procedures; it may designate a single tree or an entire grove. 080 requires the City to create and maintain a heritage tree list recording the designation reason, tree circumference, species and common name, location, and an assigned heritage tree number. ___ is protected by the Protected Trees Ordinance. 130.
Violations & Fines
Cutting, removing or severely pruning more than one-quarter of a heritage tree's canopy without an approved tree removal permit is an infraction under Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, per Section 14.18.220, chargeable against the owner, agent or contractor responsible. Because only the Planning Commission can approve a heritage tree removal, a Director-level approval of one is not valid, and the violator can still be ordered to fund a replacement heritage-tree planting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to designate a Cupertino tree as heritage?
Who decides whether a tree becomes a heritage tree?
How is a heritage tree marked once designated?
Can the Director of Community Development approve removal of a heritage tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle heritage & protected trees.