Del Norte County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

For ordinary residential pruning and trimming of trees on private property, Del Norte County does not impose a permit requirement in the unincorporated area; the County Code contains no general street-tree or shade-tree trimming ordinance comparable to those in dense cities. Two contexts change this. First, inside the coastal zone (governed by Title 21, Coastal Zoning, which implements the County's Local Coastal Program), 'development' is defined broadly in Section 21.04.195 to include 'the removal or harvesting of major vegetation other than for agricultural purposes,' so significant cutting of trees and large vegetation in the coastal zone can require a coastal development permit and is reviewed by the Planning Division. Routine pruning that does not amount to removal of major vegetation generally falls outside that definition. Second, on parcels within a State Responsibility Area or high fire hazard severity zone, California's Public Resources Code 4291 requires property owners to reduce and clear flammable vegetation within 100 feet of structures, which can include trimming limbs and removing ladder fuels. Riparian areas along rivers, streams, creeks, and sloughs are treated as sensitive habitat in the coastal General Plan, so trimming near waterways may trigger extra review. When in doubt, contact the Community Development Department Planning Division.