Rocklin's tree protection ordinance (Ch. 17.77) protects only oak trees - specifically native species of the genus Quercus, including Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizeni), Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii), and Valley Oak (Quercus lobata). The City of Rocklin has no general 'heritage tree' protection covering non-oak species on private property; conifers, fruit trees, and ornamental species are not regulated for removal. Street trees of any species in the public right-of-way ARE regulated under Title 12 Ch. 12.08.
Rocklin's protection scheme is narrow and species-specific. Title 17 Ch. 17.77 (Oak Tree Preservation) applies only to oaks 6" DBH and larger. Unlike some California cities that maintain broad 'heritage tree' or 'significant tree' lists covering redwoods, cedars, and other species, Rocklin protects only the genus Quercus, reflecting the city's foothill oak woodland ecology in Placer County. Non-oak trees - including pines, redwoods, sycamores, fruit trees, and ornamental species - may be removed from private property without a city permit (HOA rules may separately apply). However, oak woodland conversion at the project/development scale is also reviewed under Cal. Public Resources Code Sec. 21083.4 (SB 1334), which requires CEQA-level mitigation for projects that significantly convert oak woodlands. Street trees of any species planted in the city right-of-way are governed by Title 12 Ch. 12.08 regardless of species and require city manager authorization for removal or major alteration.
Damaging or removing a regulated oak without a permit triggers Ch. 17.77 mitigation plus Code Enforcement penalties. Damaging a street tree (any species) in the public right-of-way violates Title 12 Ch. 12.08 and is enforced separately.
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