San Joaquin County, CA Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

The San Joaquin County Oak Woodlands Conservation Ordinance and Development Title tree-protection provisions require replacement planting whenever a permitted protected-tree removal occurs. Standard ratios: 1:1 for non-native ornamentals 12 inches+ DBH removed as part of a discretionary project; 3:1 for native oaks 6–24 inches DBH; 5:1 to 10:1 for heritage oaks over 24 inches DBH. Replacement specimens must be California natives from the approved species list (valley oak, blue oak, interior live oak, California black oak, coast live oak in coastal-influenced areas) at minimum 5-gallon or 15-gallon container size (1 inch caliper or greater). Plantings must occur on the same parcel if feasible; otherwise on a nearby county conservation property or via contribution to the SJ Oak Woodlands Conservation Fund (in-lieu fee calculated per tree removed, scaling with size — typically $500–$2,500 per replacement tree). A 3-to-5-year establishment period with irrigation, weed abatement, and an 80% survival benchmark is required, secured by a performance bond. Agricultural orchard replanting is not regulated.