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

Colusa County is a rural, agriculture-oriented jurisdiction and, unlike some California counties, has not adopted a stand-alone tree-protection, oak-woodland, or heritage-tree removal ordinance for its unincorporated area. As a result, property owners generally may remove trees on their own land without a county tree permit. The one significant county restriction is in the zoning code's Wetlands, Waterways, Riparian Habitat, and Sensitive Habitat section (44-5.20, Ord. No. 765). It establishes a fifty-foot 'natural resource buffer area' measured from the top of bank of lakes, perennial ponds, rivers, creeks, sloughs, and perennial streams, and within fifty feet of wetlands and sensitive habitat. Section 44-5.20.030.C prohibits cutting or altering natural vegetation that protects riparian habitat or a buffer area, except when required for an approved structure, to protect public health and safety, or as part of an approved restoration project. Removal of native oaks elsewhere may still trigger California Environmental Quality Act review or General Plan oak-woodland policies during discretionary project approvals. Commercial timber harvesting is regulated separately by the state (CAL FIRE). The cities of Colusa and Williams apply their own codes.