Tehama County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Unincorporated Tehama County does not operate a private-property tree-trimming permit scheme. Property owners may generally prune trees on their own land without a county permit. The main limits are fire-driven. California Public Resources Code section 4291 and the County's Fire Safe Regulations (Tehama County Code Chapter 9.14, which adopt CAL FIRE-equivalent standards under California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 1270.03) call for 'vegetation modification,' including limbing up trees and maintaining clearance between tree canopies and structures. Through the County RCD's Defensible Space Assistance Program, recommended practices include keeping a minimum of 10 feet of separation between tree branches and at least 10 feet of clearance from a chimney or stovepipe outlet. Separately, vegetation that overhangs or obstructs a county road or right-of-way can be addressed by Public Works or as a nuisance. The County General Plan also encourages — rather than mandates — careful tree care: Implementation Measure LU-1.4f directs staff to work with applicants to retain mature oak trees of all sizes and species where possible. For ordinary homeowners, trimming your own trees needs no county permit; the rules that bite are the state and county wildfire-clearance standards.