How Redding Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Redding maintains 100 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Redding falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Removal Permits

Tree-removal permits in Redding are issued by Development Services - Planning under RMC Chapter 18.45 (Tree Management). Any tree exceeding 6 inches DBH on developed or undeveloped property within the City requires a permit before being destroyed, killed, or removed (RMC §18.45.030), with limited exemptions under §18.45.040 (dead, dying, hazardous, and certain fruit/orchard species) and a discretionary path for development-related removals under §18.45.070. The ordinance was updated in 2006 and reviewed by a Council-appointed committee in 2023.

Key details: Permitting Authority: Development Services - Planning. Code Section: RMC Ch. 18.45 (Tree Management). Threshold: >6 inches DBH. Exemptions: §18.45.040 (dead, hazard, orchard). Discretionary Path: §18.45.070.

Removal of a tree over 6 inches DBH without a Chapter 18.45 permit is enforceable through City Code Enforcement as a misdemeanor or administrative citation, with required mitigation planting at an enhanced ratio and possible recordation against title. Repeat or large-scale unpermitted removal can be referred to the City Attorney for injunctive relief and civil penalties under California Government Code §38773.5. Removal of a street tree without RMC Chapter 13.40 approval triggers separate Public Works enforcement and ISA-appraised restitution.

This is one of the stricter rules in Redding's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Redding does not maintain a dedicated standalone heritage-tree registry, but RMC Chapter 18.45 (Tree Management) protects all trees over 6 inches DBH on any property within the city, providing strong default protection. The Tree Management Ordinance Update Committee convened by City Council in September 2022 reviewed heritage-tree-specific protections through May 2023. Notable mature tree resources in Redding include the Sacramento River Trail corridor, Caldwell Park, and the McConnell Arboretum at Turtle Bay Exploration Park.

Key details: Heritage Registry: No standalone registry. Default Protection: All trees >6 in. DBH (Ch. 18.45). Designation Path: Discretionary permit condition. CEQA Oak Mitigation: PRC §21083.4 (woodland). Notable Resource: Sacramento River Trail / McConnell Arboretum.

Killing, destroying, or removing a tree over 6 inches DBH without a Chapter 18.45 permit is enforceable through Code Enforcement with administrative citations, required mitigation planting at an enhanced ratio, and possible misdemeanor referral. Removal of a 'tree to be saved' specifically conditioned in a development approval triggers stop-work orders and modification of the entitlement. Damage to oak-woodland habitat on projects subject to CEQA without §21083.4 mitigation can trigger CEQA challenge and project-level enforcement.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Tree replacement in Redding is administered through RMC Chapter 18.45 (Tree Management) as the mitigation condition attached to tree-removal permits and discretionary entitlements under §18.45.070. Mitigation typically consists of designation of preserved trees and/or planting of new trees on-site, with the Comprehensive Tree Plan 2024 providing City policy guidance on canopy goals. Street tree replacement is handled by Public Works under RMC Title 13, Chapter 13.40 for trees in the public right-of-way.

Key details: Code Section: RMC Ch. 18.45 (mitigation). Mitigation Form: Preserve + plant new trees. Species Palette: Drought-tolerant / native preferred. Cash-in-Lieu: May be accepted (confirm). Policy Guide: Comprehensive Tree Plan 2024.

Failure to install required replacement trees within the timeframe specified in the tree-removal permit or discretionary entitlement is a Chapter 18.45 violation enforceable through Code Enforcement with administrative citations, withholding of Certificate of Occupancy on related construction, and forfeiture of any survival/maintenance bond. Repeat noncompliance can be referred to the City Attorney for injunctive relief and civil penalties under California Government Code §38773.5. Replacement trees that die within the warranty period must be re-planted or the bond drawn upon by the City.

The Bottom Line

Redding's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Redding is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Redding's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.