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

Placer County Code Article 19.50 governs tree protection on most properties in unincorporated Placer County. Protected resources include native trees (oak species, gray pine, etc.) meeting size thresholds, riparian-zone trees, and 'landmark trees' designated by the Board of Supervisors as historically or culturally significant or as outstanding specimens. Removal or work within a protected tree's protected zone (typically the dripline) requires a Tree Permit. A Minor Tree Permit can authorize limited single-family lot removals when no other discretionary permit is required, and applications must be submitted at least 30 days before removal. For larger projects, tree removal is reviewed alongside the underlying discretionary permit (e.g., parcel map, use permit). An arborist's report is not always required for Minor Permits but may be requested for significant removals or to calculate mitigation. Mitigation may include in-kind replacement planting or payment of mitigation fees. Emergency removals of imminently hazardous trees can proceed with after-the-fact notification.