Tree removal permit rules in Sacramento County, 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.
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County Zoning Code restricts RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential zones. Generally allowed in side or rear yards with scree...
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County does not generally prohibit overnight street parking in residential areas. The CVC 22651(k) 72-hour rule applies. Some comme...
Sacramento County, CA
California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal cost-sharing for boundary fences. 30-day written notice is required before building or rep...
Sacramento County, CA
Fences 7 feet and under in unincorporated Sacramento County do not require a building permit, but a zoning clearance is required for front-yard fences over 3...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County allows backyard chickens in most residential zones: up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, no roosters in RD zones. Coops must be set bac...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County Code 9.60 prohibits feeding wild mammals including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys. Bird feeders are allowed if they do not attra...
See how Sacramento County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.