Tree trimming and pruning of native oaks 6 inches dbh or larger in Carmichael requires a Sacramento County Tree Permit under SCC Ch. 19.12. Routine maintenance pruning (less than 25% canopy) of non-native trees does not require a permit. Heritage Oaks (60+ inches dbh) have additional protections.
Sacramento County Code Chapter 19.12 (Tree Preservation and Protection) regulates work on landmark and native oak trees in unincorporated Sacramento County, including Carmichael. Pruning more than 25% of the canopy of a protected native oak (Valley Oak, Blue Oak, Black Oak, Live Oak, Interior Live Oak) with at least 6-inch dbh requires a tree permit (~$32 fee). Pruning Heritage Oaks (60-inch+ dbh) requires a permit for any work. Routine maintenance pruning of street trees in the public right-of-way requires a Sacramento County Department of Transportation permit. Encroachment into the dripline of protected trees with trenching/grading is also a permitted activity. Replanting is required at 1:1 diameter where canopy is removed.
Trimming a protected tree without a permit: misdemeanor under SCC §19.12 - up to $500 fine and/or six months jail. Replacement requirement: 15-gallon specimen tree at 1:1 combined diameter of the illegally removed/damaged growth, or payment of the retail cost to the Tree Preservation Fund.
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