Elk Grove Municipal Code Art. II Types of Trees

A. Landmark Tree Generally. A landmark tree is a tree that has been determined and designated, by resolution of the City Council, to be of high value to the community because of its species, size, age, form, historical significance, or some other professional criterion.

B. Process for Designating a Landmark Tree.

1. Any person may submit a proposal to designate a tree as a landmark tree. Proposals shall be submitted to and reviewed by the Community Development Director. The Community Development Director shall route the application to the City Arborist for review and comment. Upon review and recommendation by the Community Development Director and City Arborist, the proposal shall be submitted to the City Council for review and action.

2. If a tree proposed as a landmark tree is located on private property and the property owner is not the person submitting the proposal, the application shall be routed to the property owner for their review and comment.

3. The City Council may only approve designating a tree(s) as a landmark tree if the property owner has given their consent to the designation.

C. Criteria for Landmark Tree. A tree may be designated a landmark tree if it meets any of the following criteria:

1. The tree is an outstanding specimen of a desirable species;

2. The tree is one of the largest or oldest trees in the City;

3. The tree is of historical interest;

4. The tree is of distinctive form; or

5. The tree is an unusual species, significant grove, or is otherwise unique.

D. Benefits of Landmark Tree Designation. Owners of property upon which a landmark tree is located are eligible to receive benefits for the care and maintenance of their landmark tree. Typical benefits may include:

1. Discounts by participating local contractors and arborists for work on landmark trees. The City does not guarantee that discounts will be given in all cases but may work with landmark tree owners in securing a contractor discount on an individual basis.

2. Owners shall receive a resolution of appreciation from the City Council.

3. Free consultation and advice from the City Arborist for the landmark tree.

E. Removal of Landmark Tree Designation. The designation of a tree as a landmark tree may be removed based upon the following process:

1. If the landmark tree is located on private property, the property owner shall submit a request for removal of landmark tree designation to the Community Development Director.

2. If the landmark tree is located on City property or within the public right-of-way, the Public Works Director shall submit a request for removal of landmark tree designation to the Community Development Director.

3. The Community Development Director shall review all requests for removal of landmark tree designation and route the request to the City Arborist for review and recommendation. The City Arborist shall prepare a report identifying the health and character of the landmark tree. The Community Development Director shall then prepare a report and recommendation for the City Council.

4. The City Council shall consider the recommendation of the Community Development Director and City Arborist and take action to either retain or remove the landmark designation of a tree. Removal of landmark tree status shall be completed through adoption of a resolution of the City Council.

(Ord. 6-2011 § 4, eff. 3-25-2011; Ord. 24-2015 § 8 (Exh. F), eff. 2-12-2016; Ord. 13-2025 § 3 (Exh. F), eff. 7-25-2025)

For purposes of this chapter, the following species of trees with a DSH (see EGMC Section 19.12.020, General definitions) of six (6") inches or greater are considered trees of local importance:

A. Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia);

B. Valley oak (Quercus lobata);

C. Blue oak (Quercus douglasii);

D. Interior live oak (Quercus wislizenii);

E. Oracle oak (Quercus X moreha);

F. California sycamore (Platanus racemosa); and

G. California black walnut (Juglans hindsii).

(Ord. 6-2011 § 4, eff. 3-25-2011; Ord. 20-2017 § 3 (Exh. A), eff. 10-13-2017)

Secured trees shall be all of the following:

A. A tree of local importance retained during the course of review and approval of a discretionary development project, inclusive of the environmental review process as required by CEQA; and

B. Those trees planted as a result of a discretionary development project to satisfy a mitigation requirement under this chapter, an approved or certified CEQA document, or other regulation.

(Ord. 6-2011 § 4, eff. 3-25-2011)

Trees in the right-of-way or on City property which are qualifying landmark trees, secured trees, and/or trees of local importance shall comply with this chapter.

(Ord. 6-2011 § 4, eff. 3-25-2011; Ord. 20-2017 § 3 (Exh. A), eff. 10-13-2017)