Tree removal permit rules in Courtland, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Removal of protected native oaks in unincorporated Sacramento County requires a Tree Permit and mitigation planting. Heritage oak removal requires discretionary approval and mitigation at ratios up to 12:1.
Under County Code Chapter 19.12, removal of any native oak 6 inches DBH or larger triggers a tree permit review. Heritage oaks (36 inches DBH or larger) receive heightened protection and are only removable for clear and convincing demonstrated hardship (dead, dying, hazardous, or unavoidable for approved construction). Mitigation requires in-kind planting of replacement native oaks or payment into the countys Tree Preservation Fund at rates set annually. Replacement ratios scale with tree size: 2:1 for smaller natives, up to 12:1 for mature heritage oaks. Permits require arborist report, site plan, and mitigation plan.
Illegal removal of a protected native oak can result in civil penalties up to 25,000 dollars per tree, stop-work orders, denial of future permits, and required 12:1 replacement planting.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Courtland's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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