Vacaville, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected size
- 6+ inches diameter at breast height
- Native tree ratio
- 2:1 up to 8:1 by size
- Nonnative tree ratio
- 1:1 up to 4:1 by size
- Monitoring period
- 5 years after planting
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under Chapter 1.16
- Permitting authority
- Dir. of Community Development / Public Works
Summary
Vacaville protects any tree of six inches or more in diameter at breast height on private or public land under Municipal Code Section 14.09.250.060(F). Removing a protected tree for new construction, public improvements, or a landscape-plan change triggers mandatory replacement, with ratios rising by trunk size and favoring native species over introduced ones.
F. Replacement of Trees. All trees located on private or public property that have a six-inch or more diameter at breast height (dbh) are protected trees. Protected trees that are removed due to new construction, public improvements, or were planted as part of a landscape plan on private property shall require tree replacements, as follows. Replacement trees shall be derived from local stock, when available. 1. Native Trees. a. Six to 10 inches dbh. Trees shall be replaced at a ratio of two replacement trees to one removed tree (2:1 ratio). b. 10.1 to 18 inches dbh. Trees shall be replaced at a ratio of four replacement trees to one removed tree (4:1 ratio). c. 18.1 to 36 inches dbh. Trees shall be replaced at a ratio of six replacement trees to one removed tree (6:1 ratio). d. Over 36 inches. Trees shall be replaced at a ratio of eight replacement trees to one removed tree (8:1 ratio).
Full Breakdown
060, requires a tree removal permit from the Director of Community Development or Director of Public Works before any protected tree comes down. A tree qualifies once it reaches six inches dbh, whether it stands on a private lot or city property. 1 to 36 inches, and 8:1 for anything over 36 inches. Nonnative trees carry lighter ratios, from 1:1 at the smallest size class up to 4:1 for trees over 36 inches, and the Director of Public Works sets eucalyptus mitigation case by case.
Replacement stock must come from local nurseries when available, and if on-site planting isn't feasible, the Director of Community Development can approve an off-site replacement plan. Before removal or construction near mature trees, a certified arborist or qualified biologist must prepare a mitigation plan, and a tree protection zone keeps grading, storage, and excavation at least four feet from any protected trunk and ten feet away for chemicals or heavy equipment. Replacement trees are monitored for five years; if 80 percent aren't established by then, dead trees must be replaced again at a 3:1 ratio.
A handful of trees are exempt from the permit requirement, including commercial fruit and grafted English walnut trees, nursery stock held for sale, hazard trees needing emergency removal, and routine pruning that doesn't threaten the tree's survival.
Violations & Fines
Cutting, damaging, or removing a protected tree without a permit is a misdemeanor under Chapter 1.16, General Penalty, with each day the violation continues charged as a separate offense. The Director of Community Development can also order the responsible party to replace the tree or pay the City's cost of replacement on top of any court-imposed fine. Determinations may be appealed under the Common Procedures in Chapter 14.09.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does a tree have to be before Vacaville protects it?
Do I need more replacement trees for a native oak than a landscaping tree?
What happens if my replacement trees die?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vacaville
California rules heatmap·Compare Vacaville to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle protected tree species.