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

Removing a tree from inland private property in unincorporated Mendocino County usually does not require a separate County tree-removal permit, unlike many cities. Three rule sets can apply. First, in the Coastal Zone, the County Coastal Zoning Code treats 'removal or harvesting of major vegetation' as 'development' requiring a Coastal Development Permit (Sec. 20.308.035(D)). 'Major vegetation' is defined in Sec. 20.308.080 as removing more than 15 trees or 10 percent of the parcel's trees (whichever is less) of 12-inch diameter (38-inch circumference) measured 4.5 feet above ground, OR removing trees within a total of 6,000 square feet of canopy area; the Planning Director can also designate smaller removals as 'major' if they may cause significant impact. Agriculture, kelp harvesting, and timber operations under an approved Timber Harvesting Plan are excluded from the CDP definition. Second, commercial timber harvest is governed by the state Z'berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act, requiring a CAL FIRE-approved Timber Harvesting Plan (or a conversion exemption for under 3 acres). Third, Chapter 8.400 (adopted by citizen initiative, Ordinance 4367, June 7, 2016) declares trees over 5 meters tall that are intentionally killed and left standing for more than 90 days a public nuisance when located near roads, utilities, water sources, structures, or in the SRA.