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Oakdale · Building on your lot

Tree removal in Oakdale

Oakdale's own rules on tree removal, with the code text for every value.

Each rule below links to the section of the Oakdale Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Oakdale's code says

Oakdale code What Oakdale's code adds
Exemptions
  • No permit fee, but the permit is still required.
    Applies: Applies to existing homes or existing development not proposing new construction.
    § 36-28.4 · code text
    The permit fee will not apply to existing residential dwellings or existing development not proposing new construction.
Permit to remove
  • Staff may approve removing only immature oaks, or oaks dead or diseased beyond correction; healthy mature oaks go to Council.
    Applies: Applies to oak trees.
    § 36-28.4 · code text
    The only oak trees whose removal the City Manager or his or her authorized designee is authorized to permit, are trees that are of less than mature size or which are, in the City Manager's or his or her authorized designee's findings, clearly dead or diseased beyond correction.
  • Yes, a permit is required.
    Applies: Applies to any oak tree or significant tree on private property.
    § 36-28.3 · code text
    No person shall destroy or remove any oak tree or significant tree growing on private or public property within the City limits of the City without a permit.
Replacement trees
  • Replacement generally means 1-2 24-inch box trees (1-1/2 inch minimum trunk caliper), or 3-5 15-gallon plantings of an appropriate species.
    Applies: A condition of a permit decision. Planted in a suitable location at the applicant's expense; applicant posts performance bond or security for 2 growing seasons.
    § 36-28.4 · code text
    a condition requiring tree replacement provisions that generally include one to two (1-2) twenty-four (24) inch box trees (providing one-and-one-half (1-1/2) inch minimum trunk caliper measurement) or three to five (3-5) fifteen (15) gallon plantings of an appropriate species to be planted in a suitable location as substitutes for removed trees
  • The applicant posts a bond so replacement trees are established and maintained for 2 growing seasons.
    Applies: Applies to tree removal permits with replacement trees.
    § 36-28.4 · code text
    the applicant shall be required to post a tree planting performance bond or security to ensure that replacement trees are properly established and maintained for two (2) growing seasons.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Oakdale?

Oakdale's code: Staff may approve removing only immature oaks, or oaks dead or diseased beyond correction; healthy mature oaks go to Council. (Applies to oak trees.) (§ 36-28.4); Replacement generally means 1-2 24-inch box trees (1-1/2 inch minimum trunk caliper), or 3-5 15-gallon plantings of an appropriate species. (A condition of a permit decision. Planted in a suitable location at the applicant's expense; applicant posts performance bond or security for 2 growing seasons.) (§ 36-28.4).

General information, not legal advice.

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