Tree Protection in Placer County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Placer County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Placer County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Heritage & Protected Trees

The Board of Supervisors can designate individual trees or groves as "landmark trees" for historical, cultural or specimen value under the county's Woodland Conservation ordinance. Landmark trees cannot be removed without a tree permit, and unlike ordinary protected trees they get almost none of the article's standard exemptions.

Placer County Landmark Tree Protections

Significant Restrictions

Placer County Code § 19.50.030(E)

The provisions of this article apply to all projects where discretionary permit approvals are required by the county provided, however, no landmark tree may be removed without obtaining a tree permit pursuant to Section 12.16.060. Except for subsection C, a landmark tree is not subject to the exemptions set forth in Section 12.16.050.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Protected Tree Species

Placer County's Woodland Conservation ordinance protects native trees at least six inches in trunk diameter, oak species at five inches, and all riparian-zone and landmark trees regardless of size. Foothill pines and brush like manzanita are exempt. A tree permit is required before removing a protected tree in covered areas.

Placer County Protected Tree Species Rules

Some Restrictions

Placer County Code § 19.50.020

"Tree" means a tall woody plant native to California, with a single main stem or trunk at least six inches dbh, or a multiple trunk with an aggregate of at least 10 inches dbh. For all oak species (Quercus sp.) the woody plant will be considered a tree when the single main stem is five inches dbh or larger. (Note: Foothill pines are exempt from this article. Also, see "riparian zone" definition...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Protection by City in Placer County

1 cities in Placer County have their own tree protection rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

RosevillePop. 147,773

2 verified rules • Parkway Planting, Protected Tree Species

All Placer County ordinances

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