Cupertino, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Species covered
- 5 native oaks, buckeye, maple, 2 cedars, bay, sycamore
- Mature threshold
- 12 in single-trunk / 24 in multi-trunk DBH
- Heritage trees
- Protected in all zoning districts
- Removal permit
- Required before cutting, Sec. 14.18.110
- Penalty
- Infraction under Chapter 1.12
- Replacement
- Tree Fund in-lieu fee under Sec. 14.18.160
Summary
Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 14.18 protects eleven specific tree species once they reach mature specimen size, plus all heritage trees, in every zoning district. Removing a Coast Live Oak, Valley Oak, Black Oak, Blue Oak, Interior Live Oak, California Buckeye, Big Leaf Maple, Deodar Cedar, Blue Atlas Cedar, Bay Laurel or Western Sycamore without a tree removal permit is a chargeable violation.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 14.18.170, the following trees shall not be removed without first obtaining a tree removal permit: Heritage trees in all zoning districts. All mature specimen trees of the following species on private property (see Appendix A): Quercus (native oak tree species), including: Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak); Quercus lobata (Valley Oak); Quercus kelloggii (Black Oak); Quercus douglasii (Blue Oak); Quercus wislizeni (Interior Live Oak); Aesculus californica (California Buckeye); Acer macrophyllum (Big Leaf Maple); Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar); Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' (Blue Atlas Cedar); Umbellularia californica (Bay Laurel or California Bay); and Platanus racemosa (Western Sycamore).
Full Breakdown
18 of the Cupertino Municipal Code, the Protected Trees ordinance, applies in every zoning district and covers two categories: heritage trees designated by the Planning Commission, and eleven listed species once they qualify as a mature specimen tree. 020 defines a mature specimen tree as one with a single trunk of twelve inches or greater DBH, measured four and one-half feet above natural grade, or twenty-four inches DBH for a multi-trunk tree; a non-mature specimen below those thresholds is not protected. 050 are five native oaks (Quercus agrifolia, lobata, kelloggii, douglasii and wislizeni), California Buckeye, Big Leaf Maple, Deodar Cedar, Blue Atlas Cedar, Bay Laurel and Western Sycamore, plus any approved development tree or R-1 privacy planting required under a prior land-use approval.
150 (non-mature trees, an approved tree management plan, PUC-regulated utility work, or emergency or dead-tree removal followed by a retroactive permit within five working days). 12. 160, based on the removed tree's trunk diameter or, for heritage trees, its appraised value under the ISA Guide for Plant Appraisal.
Violations & Fines
Removing or severely pruning, defined as cutting more than one-quarter of the canopy in a twelve-month period, a listed species, heritage tree or approved development tree without a permit is a criminal infraction under Chapter 1.12, chargeable against the property owner, agent or contractor performing the work. The violator can also be ordered to plant replacement trees or pay the Tree Fund in-lieu fee under Sections 14.18.160 and 14.18.170, on top of the infraction penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tree species does Cupertino protect?
What size makes a tree a protected 'mature specimen'?
Can I remove a protected tree myself without a permit?
What is the penalty for illegal removal of a protected species?
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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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle protected tree species.