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

39 of the County Zoning Ordinance, implements the Oak Resources Management Plan (ORMP) for El Dorado County. The ordinance applies to all development activities that remove oak trees below 4,000 feet elevation, including residential, commercial, and agricultural projects. A 'Heritage Tree' is defined as any live native oak tree of the genus Quercus (including blue oak, valley oak, California black oak, interior live oak, canyon live oak, Oregon oak, oracle oak, or hybrids thereof) with a single main trunk measuring 36 inches DBH (diameter at breast height) or greater, or with multiple trunks aggregating 36 inches or greater.

An 'Individual Native Oak Tree' is any live native oak with a single main trunk greater than 6 inches but less than 36 inches DBH. Impacts to Heritage Trees, individual valley oak trees, and valley oak woodlands are not exempt and must be mitigated, regardless of whether a County permit is otherwise required. Mitigation is satisfied by in-lieu fee payment to the Oak Woodland Conservation Fund per Table 6 of the ORMP or by approved on-site conservation. Agricultural uses/activities that impact Valley Oak Trees, Valley Oak Woodlands, or Heritage Trees are NOT exempt and must obtain a permit prior to removal.