Yucaipa, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Chapter 5 of Division DC9, Oak Tree Conservation, protects the oak as Yucaipa's named protected tree species. Section 89.0505(f) defines an oak tree as any oak of the Genus Quercus except Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa). The policy in § 89.0501 is to require conservation of all healthy oak trees unless reasonable and conforming use of the property justifies removal, cutting, pruning, or encroachment into the protected zone.

The protected zone starts five feet outside the dripline and extends inward to the trunk, and in no case is it less than fifteen feet from the trunk (§ 89.0505(i)). Encroachment includes pruning, grading, excavating, trenching, parking of vehicles, and storage of materials or equipment, so work near a tree that is never touched can still need a permit. Owners of improved or approved property must keep oaks in good health under the Oak Tree Conservation and Protection Guidelines adopted by City Council resolution (§ 89.0510). Anyone using explosives to fell or remove an oak must first apply to the City Manager for a permit and furnish bond or insurance (§ 89.0515(c)).

The Community Development Director can approve, deny, or conditionally approve removal of three or fewer oak trees on a single parcel, with appeal to the Planning Commission and then the City Council. Removal of four or more oak trees on a single parcel goes to the Planning Commission, which makes recommendations to the Council, and the Council approves or denies (§ 89.0520(a)). Approval rests on findings such as disease or danger of falling that cannot be remedied, or necessity to enable reasonable and conforming use of the property (§ 89.0520(b)). Conditions under § 89.0525 include replacement trees, relocation, a maintenance and care program, or a fee equal to the replacement cost of the tree or donation of a boxed tree.

Unlike the native tree rules, the oak chapter is outside the § 89.0110(b) exemptions, including the one for developed lots of 20,000 square feet or less. Vegetation within 200 feet of a stream bank is separately controlled by § 89.0410.