Tree Removal Permits: Citrus Heights vs Sacramento
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Citrus Heights, CA and Sacramento, CA?
Citrus Heights and Sacramento have similar restriction levels.
Citrus Heights, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento County's Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance (County Code Chapter 19.12) requires a tree permit to remove or significantly impact protected trees, native oaks, landmark trees, and public trees, in the unincorporated urban area. Permits are issued by Planning and Environmental Review; the fee is about $31.95 and processing is typically under 10 working days.
View full Citrus Heights rules →Sacramento, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento requires permits for the removal of protected trees under City Code Chapter 12.56 (Tree Planting, Maintenance, and Conservation). A tree permit is required to remove, prune more than 25% of the canopy, or perform any work within the dripline of a city street tree or private protected tree (formerly Heritage Trees). Private protected trees are generally those with a trunk diameter of 12 inches or more (measured at 4.5 feet above grade) and certain native species of any size.
View full Sacramento rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Citrus Heights | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Governing ordinance | County Code Ch. 19.12 (Tree Preservation and Protection) | - |
| Protected trees | Native oaks (public and private), landmark trees, public trees | - |
| Permit fee | About $31.95 (as of July 1, 2025) | - |
| Processing time | Typically under 10 working days | - |
| Arborist required | ISA Certified Arborist/Tree Worker for branches/roots over 2 inches | - |
| Penalty | Misdemeanor/nuisance; in-kind replacement or Tree Preservation Fund payment | - |
| Code Section | - | Sacramento City Code Chapter 12.56 |
| Protected Threshold | - | 100-inch circumference (approx. 32-inch diameter) at 4.5 ft |
| Native Species | - | Oaks, sycamores, buckeyes protected at any size |
| Replacement Ratio | - | 1:1 standard, up to 3:1 for Heritage Trees |
| Penalty Range | - | $500-$25,000 per tree for unpermitted removal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Citrus Heights FAQ
How do I get a tree removal permit in Sacramento County?
Apply through the County Department of Planning and Environmental Review. Submit a property sketch with tree locations, photos, the trunk diameter measured 4.5 feet above ground, the reason for removal, and owner consent. The fee is about $31.95 and processing usually takes under ten working days. Permits for protected trees are typically granted only for dead, hazardous, or severely damaged trees.
Which trees need a permit before removal?
Native oak trees (on public or private property), landmark trees, and public trees in the designated urban area of unincorporated Sacramento County are protected under Chapter 19.12 and require a tree permit before removal. Removing one without a permit is a misdemeanor and public nuisance and can require replacement trees or a payment into the Tree Preservation Fund.
Sacramento FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Sacramento?
You need a permit to remove any city street tree or private protected tree (generally 32+ inches in diameter, or native oaks, sycamores, and buckeyes of any size). Apply through the City Arborist.
What if a tree is hazardous and needs emergency removal?
You may remove an imminently hazardous tree without prior approval, but you must report the removal to the City Arborist within 5 business days and provide documentation of the hazard.
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