Sacramento County has one of Californias strongest Native Oak Tree Ordinances. Pruning of protected native oaks (heritage oaks 36 inch DBH plus) requires a permit and an arborist report. Illegal trimming can trigger fines up to 25,000 dollars per tree.
Sacramento County Code Chapter 19.12 Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance protects native oaks (valley oak, blue oak, interior live oak, canyon live oak, Oregon oak, black oak) 6 inches DBH or larger and heritage oaks 36 inches DBH or larger. Pruning that removes more than 25 percent of a live canopy, roots over 2 inches within the dripline, or any cut on a heritage oak requires a Native Tree Permit. Pruning must follow ANSI A300 and ISA Best Management Practices. Work within the protected zone (dripline plus 5 ft) requires arborist supervision. Trimming during nesting season (February through August) may require a pre-work nest survey under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Civil penalties up to 25,000 dollars per tree for violations of Chapter 19.12, plus mandatory replacement at mitigation ratios (2:1 to 12:1 for heritage oaks). Criminal misdemeanor charges possible.
Fair Oaks, CA
Fair Oaks is unincorporated Sacramento County, so RV and boat parking is regulated by the County Code (Title 10 Vehicles & Traffic) and the Fair Oaks Village...
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County does not generally prohibit overnight street parking in residential areas. The CVC 22651(k) 72-hour rule applies. Some comme...
Sacramento County, CA
California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal cost-sharing for boundary fences. 30-day written notice is required before building or rep...
Sacramento County, CA
Fences 7 feet and under in unincorporated Sacramento County do not require a building permit, but a zoning clearance is required for front-yard fences over 3...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County allows backyard chickens in most residential zones: up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, no roosters in RD zones. Coops must be set bac...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County Code 9.60 prohibits feeding wild mammals including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys. Bird feeders are allowed if they do not attra...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle tree trimming.
See how Fair Oaks's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.