Placer County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Unincorporated Placer County regulates removal of native trees through its Tree Preservation Ordinance, codified at Placer County Code Section 19.50 (Woodland Conservation). A protected tree is generally most native trees measuring six inches diameter at breast height (DBH) or greater, or multi-trunk native trees with an aggregate diameter of ten inches DBH or greater. To remove one or more protected trees on a single-family residential lot or a project not tied to another discretionary permit, the owner applies to the Planning Services Division for a Minor Tree Permit at least 30 days before the planned work. The application requires a site plan showing all protected trees within 50 feet of the development activity, including each tree's base and drip-line, and in some cases an arborist's report (often required when removal is significant or to calculate mitigation fees). Larger removals associated with discretionary development projects are reviewed under the broader Woodland Conservation provisions and may require replacement or mitigation. Some removals are exempt, and owners can seek a permit specifically to confirm whether removal is exempt before cutting. Applications are submitted through the Community Development Resource Agency in Auburn or the Tahoe office.