Sonoma County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Tree limb clearance from ground
- Prune to 6 feet
- Clearance over roadways
- Branches removed to 6 feet
- Chimney clearance
- Remove tree parts within 10 feet
- Routine pruning permit
- Not required for non-protected trees
- Protected-tree trimming
- May need permit (Code 26-88-010)
Summary
Routine pruning of your own trees generally needs no permit, but Sonoma County's defensible-space rules require trees pruned 6 feet up from the ground within 100 feet of structures, branches cleared 6 feet above roads, and all tree parts removed within 10 feet of chimneys. Heavy cutting of protected native trees can trigger tree-permit rules.
The Tree Protection Ordinance (Code Section 26-88-010(m)) requires a zoning permit and mitigation (e.g. replanting, preservation or in-lieu fees) when removing certain tree species above 6 inches diameter. The updated ordinance includes 31 tree species with trunks six inches in diameter or greater.
Full Breakdown
For ordinary trimming of a healthy tree on your own property, Sonoma County does not require a permit. The County's published defensible-space requirements (Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention, under Chapter 13A) do impose specific limb-clearance measurements near structures and roads: in the Local Responsibility Area, owners must 'prune trees to 6 feet from the ground' in both the 0-30 foot and 30-100 foot zones around buildings, remove branches up to 6 feet above the ground along roadways, and 'remove all portions of trees within ten feet (10 feet) of chimney' or stovepipe outlets.
In the State Responsibility Area, similar clearance around chimneys and structures applies. ' Trees designated under the Heritage and Landmark Tree Ordinance (County Code Chapter 26D) receive added protection. There is no county ordinance compelling you to trim a neighbor-overhanging branch; that remains a civil matter, though California's general right to trim overhanging limbs back to the property line still applies.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain required defensible-space limb clearance is handled as a hazardous-vegetation violation (30-day then 15-day cure periods, abatement, and liens). Excessive cutting that destroys a protected tree without a permit can be enforced under the Tree Protection Ordinance, with mitigation fees and penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim a tree in unincorporated Sonoma County?
How much do I have to clear around my chimney?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma County
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