Tree Removal Permits: Florin vs Sacramento
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Florin, CA and Sacramento, CA?
Florin and Sacramento have similar restriction levels.
Florin, CA
Sacramento County
Tree removal permits in Florin (unincorporated Sacramento County) are issued by Planning & Environmental Review under Chapter 19.04 (heritage trees) and Chapter 19.12 (tree preservation). Applications typically require an arborist report justifying removal and a replacement plan.
View full Florin 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 | Florin | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Process | Application + arborist report | - |
| Authority | Planning & Environmental Review | - |
| Replacement | Typical 3:1 / 24-in box | - |
| 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.
Florin FAQ
How long does a Tree Permit take?
Routine permits typically process in 30-60 days. Complex projects with environmental review may take longer.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Florin and Sacramento compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool