Sonoma County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Sonoma County, CA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Protected size threshold
- 6 inches DBH (native species)
- Use permit - hardwoods
- 36 inches DBH or larger
- Use permit - redwoods
- 48 inches DBH or larger
- Mitigation fee
- $510 per arboreal value point
- Governing code
- Code Section 26-88-010
- Ordinance updated
- Adopted April 16, 2024
Summary
Unincorporated Sonoma County requires a permit to remove most protected native trees 6 inches in diameter or larger. A ministerial zoning permit covers smaller trees; a discretionary use permit is needed for hardwoods 36 inches or larger and redwoods 48 inches or larger. Mitigation fees apply, starting at $510 per arboreal value point.
4. Permit requirement. a. Unless a use permit is required per subsection A.4.b. or an exemption applies under subsection B, a ministerial zoning permit is required for removal of protected trees. b. Unless an exemption applies under subsection B, a use permit is required for the following: 1. removal of redwoods with single stem d.b.h. exceeding 48" 2. removal of oaks and other hardwoods with single stem d.b.h. exceeding 36". Use permits for large tree removal shall not be approved unless the decision maker makes the findings required by Section 26-92-080, mitigation is provided for as described in subsection E of this ordinance, and the tree removal is done in a manner that is in support of the intent of this ordinance. [...] Unless otherwise exempt, the removal of protected trees is subject to required mitigation, which shall be provided through tree replacements or in-lieu payment, consistent with the options provided in this subsection E. [...] For protected tree removal not subject to the Use Permit requirements for the removal of redwoods with a single stem 48" DBH or larger or the removal of protected hardwoods with a single stem 36" DBH or larger, the in-lieu payment shall be $510 per arboreal value point as determined by Arboreal Value Chart No. 1.
Full Breakdown
Sonoma County's Tree Protection Ordinance (County Code Section 26-88-010(m)) protects roughly 31 native species, including all native oaks, willows, alders, cottonwoods, maples, ash, madrone, buckeye, walnuts, firs, redwoods, cypress, and pines, once they reach 6 inches diameter at breast height (DBH). Removing such a protected tree generally requires a zoning permit; removing a hardwood 36 inches DBH or larger or a redwood 48 inches DBH or larger requires a more demanding discretionary use permit (some species such as Western hemlock, Monterey/Macnab cypress, and pines have no use-permit size threshold).
The County updated its tree ordinances in 2024 - the Board of Supervisors adopted updated Tree Protection and Oak Woodland ordinances on April 16, 2024, the first comprehensive update since 1989 - increasing protections and penalties. , a 36-inch redwood equals six points, about $3,060). Application forms include PJR-151/PJR-153 for zoning permits and PJR-150/PJR-152 for use permits. Note that valley oaks within a Valley Oak Habitat Combining Zone are regulated separately and more strictly (see the dedicated tree-protection topic).
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected tree without the required permit can trigger enforcement under the Tree Protection Ordinance, including required mitigation, in-lieu fees ($510 per arboreal value point), replacement planting, and penalties. The 2024 update increased fines, reported up to a maximum of $3,500 per tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my Sonoma County property?
How much does tree-removal mitigation cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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