Antioch, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected native species
- 7: 5 oaks, buckeye, California bay
- Established size threshold
- 10 in. diameter at 4.5 ft
- Residential shortcut
- Does not apply to indigenous trees
- Removal priority in development review
- Highest, alongside landmark trees
- Permitting agency
- Parks, Leisure & Community Services
Summary
Antioch's tree ordinance names seven native species, from blue oak to California bay, as INDIGENOUS TREE and protects any established specimen of them the same way it protects landmark and street trees. A permit or development approval is required to remove one, even on developed residential property.
INDIGENOUS TREE. This shall be a naturally growing tree of the following species: Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii); Valley Oak (Quercus lobata); Coast Live Oak (Quercus agerifolia); Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis); Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizennii); California Buckeye (Aesculus californica); California Bay (Umbellularia californica). ... PROTECTED TREE. This shall be defined as any of the following: ... (b) All established indigenous trees as defined by this section. ... Other than for protected trees as defined by this article, trees on developed residential properties may be removed without a permit.
Full Breakdown
203, the definitions article of the Antioch zoning code, defines INDIGENOUS TREE as a naturally growing tree of seven listed species: blue oak (Quercus douglasii), valley oak (Quercus lobata), coast live oak (Quercus agerifolia), canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis), interior live oak (Quercus wislizennii), California buckeye (Aesculus californica), and California bay (Umbellularia californica). The same section's PROTECTED TREE definition folds in 'all established indigenous trees' alongside street trees and mature and landmark trees, meaning any of these seven species that has reached established size (at least 10 inches in diameter, measured four and a half feet above grade) is a protected tree under Article 12.
1202(C)(2) strips away the ordinary shortcut for developed residential lots: while other trees on developed residential property may be removed without a permit, protected trees, including established indigenous species, cannot. 1205. 1205(B)(1) directs the decision-making body to place the highest priority on preserving landmark and indigenous trees ahead of ordinary mature and established trees, considering appearance, species, and aesthetic compatibility with the project. 1204(B)(2).
Violations & Fines
Removing or destroying an established indigenous tree without the required permit or development approval, or deliberately damaging one to force a removal on safety grounds, exposes the responsible party to the penalties of AMC 9-5.2904, a misdemeanor punishable under AMC 1-2.01 et seq., in addition to public nuisance abatement proceedings by the City Attorney. Grading within the drip line of a protected indigenous tree without approved plans and bonding under AMC 9-5.1205(F) and 9-5.1206 exposes the developer to forfeiture of the posted bond, which runs from $1,000 to $10,000 per tree depending on diameter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which native tree species does Antioch protect by name?
Can I cut down an established oak on my developed Antioch residential lot without a permit?
Does Antioch treat native oaks differently from other trees in development review?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Antioch
California rules heatmap·Compare Antioch to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle protected tree species.