Stockton, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

130 (Heritage Tree Permit) governs any oak of the three protected species, Quercus lobata, Quercus agrifolia, and Quercus wislizenii, with a trunk diameter of 16 inches or more measured 24 inches above grade; multi-trunk oaks count the combined diameter of all trunks measuring six inches or greater. 84, pay the Council's fee-resolution charge, and submit the tree count, circumference and location, the reason for removal, and a to-scale site drawing showing the tree's relationship to existing or proposed improvements. The Director, the Review Authority, decides based on the tree's disease or fall risk, proximity to structures, interference with utilities, necessity of removal to build proposed improvements (including whether tentative maps or plans could be revised to save the tree), erosion and drainage effects, and how many similar trees exist nearby.

If the Director leans toward approval, notice goes to owners and residents within 300 feet, and anyone who requests a hearing within the 10-day notice period gets one before a final decision issues. 100. An imminent-hazard emergency removal skips the hearing and the fee, but still needs the Director's signed permit first, and does not require replacement planting. Every other removal or 'effective removal' (as defined in the Development Code glossary) must be replaced three-for-one at the Director's discretion, with replacement stock at least 15-gallon container size, planted on the same parcel where possible or otherwise in a City park or Director-selected location.