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.
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See how Sacramento County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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