Tree removal permit rules in Folsom, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Folsom has one of the stronger tree ordinances in the Sacramento region, requiring a permit to remove any native oak (6 inch+ diameter), heritage tree, or tree in a required landscape area. Removal of a protected tree without permit can trigger fines plus replacement tree mitigation at 3:1 ratio.
Folsom's Tree Preservation Ordinance protects: (1) all native oaks (interior live oak, blue oak, valley oak, canyon live oak) with a single trunk 6 inches DBH or larger, or multi-trunk 10 inches aggregate, (2) designated heritage trees individually listed, (3) any tree required by a prior approved landscape plan, and (4) trees on public property. Removal requires a Tree Removal Permit from Community Development, supported by an ISA-certified arborist report demonstrating the tree is dead, diseased, hazardous, or that removal is necessary for approved construction. Replacement mitigation is typically 3:1 (three new trees or in-lieu fee per removed protected tree) with species appropriate to Folsom's climate (valley oak, interior live oak, western redbud, California sycamore). Non-native and non-protected trees on private residential lots may generally be removed without permit unless they are part of a required landscape. Emergency removal for imminent hazard is allowed but must be documented within 72 hours. Folsom's enforcement is notably strict compared to neighboring cities; appraisal values for illegally removed oaks can exceed $20,000 per tree.
Illegal removal of protected tree: fines $500-$10,000 per tree plus tree appraisal value restitution (ISA Trunk Formula, often $5,000-$30,000 for mature oaks). Replacement planting at 3:1 or greater ratio. Stop work orders on associated construction.
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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 Folsom's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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