Rancho Cordova, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected native oak species
- Valley oak (Q. lobata), interior live oak (Q. wislizenii), blue oak (Q. douglasii), oracle oak (Q. morehus)
- Native oak threshold
- 6+ inches trunk diameter (DSH)
- Other species: nonresidential property
- 12+ inches trunk diameter (DSH)
- Other species: residential property
- 24+ inches trunk diameter (DSH)
- Excluded
- Nursery stock held for sale within the city
Summary
Rancho Cordova protects two categories of trees regardless of location: native oaks, valley oak, interior live oak, blue oak, and oracle oak, once their trunk reaches six inches in diameter, and any other tree species once its trunk reaches 12 inches (on nonresidential property) or 24 inches (on residential property). Nursery stock held for sale is excluded.
"Protected tree" means:
1. Native oak – Quercus lobata, valley oak; Quercus wislizenii, interior live oak; Quercus douglasii, blue oak; or Quercus morehus, oracle oak – having a trunk diameter of at least six inches or greater; or
2. Any tree species other than a native oak having a trunk diameter of at least 12 inches or greater on nonresidential property; or
3. Any tree species other than a native oak having a trunk diameter of at least 24 inches or greater on residential property; or
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4660102; v2 updated 2026-03-02; through 03-02-2026).
Full Breakdown
Trunk size is measured as "diameter at standard height" (DSH): four and one-half feet above natural grade, calculated as the trunk's circumference divided by 3.14. Native oaks (Quercus lobata, Q. wislizenii, Q. douglasii, and Q. morehus) are protected once they reach that 6-inch threshold, regardless of property type. Any other tree species is protected once it reaches 12 inches DSH on nonresidential property, or 24 inches DSH on residential property. A tree planted to satisfy a development, permit, or landscape-plan condition is also protected regardless of size or species. Trees held for sale within the city by a nursery are not protected.
Violations & Fines
Damaging, killing, or removing a protected tree species without an approved permit is a misdemeanor under RCMC § 19.12: up to six months in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine per day of violation, plus required replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my ornamental tree protected?
How is a tree's trunk diameter measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rancho Cordova
California rules heatmap·Compare Rancho Cordova 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.