Tree removal permit rules in Shasta County, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Shasta County does not have a comprehensive county-wide tree protection or heritage tree ordinance for the unincorporated area. Tree removal on private property is generally allowed without a county permit. However, removal in connection with development projects, in floodway or floodplain districts, or in California Forest Practice Rules-regulated timber operations may require additional review. The City of Shasta Lake has a separate tree conservation ordinance (Chapter 12.36) that applies within its city limits.
Unincorporated Shasta County does not regulate the removal of trees on private residential property for routine maintenance or owner preference. Title 17 (Zoning) does require landscaping review for some development projects, and trees may be retained as a condition of subdivision approval, but there is no general permit requirement for an individual property owner to remove a tree. Commercial timber harvest is regulated separately by the California Department of Forestry under California Forest Practice Rules, which require a Timber Harvest Plan or similar approval before logging. Within floodway (F-1) and restrictive flood (F-2) districts under Chapters 17.22 and 17.70, vegetation removal that could affect flood hazards may be subject to review. Trees on neighboring property, in public rights-of-way, or on protected oak stands within development project boundaries may have specific restrictions. The City of Shasta Lake protects heritage trees (36 inches or more DBH) and other native trees under Chapter 12.36 of its municipal code. The City of Redding has its own tree management chapter (Chapter 18.45) for development projects.
There are no general violation provisions for routine tree removal in unincorporated Shasta County. Violation of Forest Practice Rules for commercial logging can result in significant state penalties. Removing trees required to be retained as a development condition can trigger code enforcement and require replacement planting. Damaging a neighbor's tree creates civil liability under California Civil Code Sections 733 and 3346.
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See how Shasta County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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