Vacaville does not maintain a formal numeric Heritage Tree size threshold separate from its citywide 6-inch DBH rule, but VMC Chapter 14.09.250 (Resource Protection) gives heightened protection to trees within designated Resource Protection areas - including native oak woodlands in Lagoon Valley, the Vaca Hills, and certain ridgelines. Large, mature, and historically significant trees are protected through Tree Removal Permit conditions, higher replacement ratios, and discretionary-review tree-preservation conditions.
Unlike some California cities (Berkeley, Menlo Park, Santa Clara) that define Heritage Trees by a specific DBH or species list, Vacaville uses a combined Resource Protection framework. VMC Chapter 14.09.250 (Resource Protection) designates certain ridgelines, riparian corridors, and oak woodlands as Resource Protection areas under the General Plan, and trees within those areas - particularly native valley oak (Quercus lobata), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), blue oak (Quercus douglasii), and interior live oak (Quercus wislizenii) - receive heightened review for any removal or significant alteration. Section 14.09.250.060 (Tree Preservation) sets the baseline six-inch DBH protection citywide and applies tighter scrutiny within Resource Protection areas. Significant or historic trees on developed sites may be specifically preserved through Site Development Plan conditions, conservation easements, or development agreements; once mapped or recorded, those trees cannot be removed without an amended entitlement. The Vacaville Heritage Council (a local nonprofit) advocates for preservation of historic landscapes including significant trees but does not have regulatory authority. PG&E line-clearance pruning continues to apply under California PUC General Order 95 even for heritage-class trees.
Removing or damaging a tree within a Resource Protection area, or a tree preserved by a recorded Site Development Plan or development agreement condition, violates VMC 14.09.250 and the underlying entitlement. Enforcement includes elevated administrative penalties, mandatory restoration with larger replacement trees, monetary assessment of the appraised value of the removed tree using ISA arborist valuation methods, and potential rescission of permits.
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