Nevada County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Nevada County, CA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Dead Tree Removal
- Required for defensible space; no permit
- Heritage Tree
- 36-inch dbh (Conservation Element)
- Protected Oaks
- Blue Oak, Valley Oak management plan
- Replacement
- Inch-for-inch or Tree Preservation Fund
- Code Location
- Title 12 Ch.4 Div. 4.3 (former L-II 4.3)
- Planning Contact
- 530-265-1222
Summary
Removing a hazardous or dead tree for defensible space is required under the Hazardous Vegetation Abatement ordinance and needs no county permit. But removing protected oaks or trees during land development triggers the County's Title 12 / Land Use & Development Code resource standards, which can require a tree removal permit and replacement.
No person, firm or corporation shall remove or cause to be removed any tree located outside a Timberland Preserve Zone (TPZ), and within the Nevada City Sphere of Influence as adopted by the Local Agency Formation Commission, without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the County Planning Director, except that no permit is required for the removal of trees: 1. Identified for removal as part of a Use Permit, Development Permit or Subdivision; 2. Located on developed residentially-zoned property; 3. Identified by a licensed forester as being in a hazardous condition presenting an immediate danger to health and property; 4. Having trunks measuring less than 10" in diameter, measured 4 1/2' above grade and where less than 20% of the trees over 8" in diameter are proposed to be removed every 5 years; 5. Located on parcels aggregating 3-acres or more in size, subject to pre-emptive State regulations identified for commercial tree removal pursuant to an approved Timber Harvest Plan; 6. Located within a public or public utility right-of-way when such trees are to be removed by a public agency or public utility. Trees may be removed only when: 1. Dead or diseased beyond reclamation. 2. Crowded beyond good forestry practices. 3. Interfering with existing utilities or structures. 4. Obstructing existing or proposed improvement that cannot be designed to avoid tree removal. 5. Inhibiting sunlight necessary for solar access.
Full Breakdown
Two separate frameworks govern tree removal in unincorporated Nevada County. First, for fire safety, the Hazardous Vegetation Abatement ordinance (Sec. C) actually requires owners to 'remove all dead or decaying trees and tree limbs' within the defensible-space area; no permit is needed and removal is mandatory when a Public Official issues a Notice to Abate. g. Sec. x) - protect oak woodlands and heritage trees. Per the County's Conservation Element and development standards, a Management Plan is required for protection of oaks (especially Blue and Valley Oak) when trees or groves are disturbed, heritage trees are defined at 36-inch dbh, and trees removed during development must be replaced on an inch-for-inch basis or a fee paid to the Tree Preservation Fund.
In the Nevada City Sphere of Influence, tree removal review applies to trees of about 10-inch dbh. This means a homeowner clearing a single dead pine for defensible space is in a very different position from a developer grading an oak grove - the former is permit-free, the latter requires planning review. 3 standards with the Community Development Agency (530-265-1222).
Violations & Fines
Fire-driven removals are enforced through the Hazardous Vegetation Notice-to-Abate process (Sec. G-IV 7.6). Unpermitted removal of protected/heritage trees during development is a zoning violation enforced by County Code Compliance under Title 12, and can require restitution planting or Tree Preservation Fund payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut down a dead tree near my house without a county permit?
Are oak trees protected in unincorporated Nevada County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nevada County
California rules heatmap·Compare Nevada County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.