Elk Grove, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected species count
- 7 native species
- Size threshold
- 6 inches DSH or greater
- Exempt when
- Not tied to a discretionary project
- Mitigation ratio
- 1 inch new DSH per inch lost
- DSH measurement point
- 4.5 ft above natural grade
Summary
Elk Grove protects seven native species, including coast live oak, valley oak, and California black walnut, as 'trees of local importance' once they reach 6 inches in trunk diameter under EGMC § 19.12.040, but only trips the tree-permit requirement when tied to a discretionary development project.
For purposes of this chapter, the following species of trees with a DSH (see EGMC Section 19.12.020, General definitions) of six (6") inches or greater are considered trees of local importance: A. Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia); B. Valley oak (Quercus lobata); C. Blue oak (Quercus douglasii); D. Interior live oak (Quercus wislizenii); E. Oracle oak (Quercus X moreha); F. California sycamore (Platanus racemosa); and G. California black walnut (Juglans hindsii). ... Trees of local importance when not part of or associated with a discretionary development project;
Full Breakdown
040 lists the protected species by common and scientific name: coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), valley oak (Quercus lobata), blue oak (Quercus douglasii), interior live oak (Quercus wislizenii), oracle oak (Quercus X moreha), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), and California black walnut (Juglans hindsii), each protected once it reaches a diameter at standard height (DSH) of 6 inches or more. 020(I). 080(A) exempts trees of local importance from the tree permit requirement entirely when they are not part of or associated with a discretionary development project, meaning a homeowner clearing a qualifying oak outside a permit application is not automatically captured. 050 and gains the added protections that status carries. 180.
Violations & Fines
Removing, topping, or working in the critical root zone of a protected species that is tied to a discretionary development project without an approved tree permit under § 19.12.070 violates Chapter 19.12; outside that context, § 19.12.080(A)'s exemption means no permit violation attaches, so whether a project triggers review determines liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tree species are protected in Elk Grove?
Can I remove a protected oak on my property without a permit?
What replacement is required if the city allows removal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elk Grove
California rules heatmap·Compare Elk Grove to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle protected tree species.