Tuolumne County Tree Trimming Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Protected Species
- Native oaks — especially Valley Oaks
- Valley Oak Threshold
- 5 inches DBH (diameter at breast height)
- Canopy Cover Trigger
- 10% or greater decrease in oak woodland
- Lookback Period
- 5 years prior to development
- Penalty
- Building permit withheld up to 5 years
- Ordinance
- Chapter 9.24 (adopted April 1, 2008)
The Short Version
Tuolumne County protects native oak trees under Chapter 9.24, adopted in 2008. "Premature removal" of oaks is regulated and can result in a 5-year building permit moratorium on the affected property. Premature removal includes any cutting that decreases oak canopy cover by 10% or more within an oak woodland, removal of any old-growth oak, or removal of any Valley Oak measuring 5 inches or greater DBH (diameter at breast height) — if done within 5 years before a land development project. Heritage trees must be preserved to the greatest extent feasible.
Full Breakdown
Tuolumne County takes oak tree conservation seriously. Chapter 9.24, adopted April 1, 2008 (Ordinance 2903), specifically addresses the "premature removal" of native oak trees in connection with land development.
The ordinance defines premature removal as any of the following: removal that causes a 10% or greater decrease in native oak canopy cover within an oak woodland; removal of any old-growth oak tree; or removal of any Valley Oak measuring 5 inches or greater DBH (diameter at breast height) — if any of these occur within 5 years prior to a land development project. This lookback provision prevents landowners from clearing oaks before submitting development applications.
Heritage trees — exceptionally large, old, or historically significant oaks — must be retained to the greatest extent feasible during any development process. The county evaluates proposed projects for their impact on oak woodlands and may require mitigation.
When mitigation is required, the county operates an Oak Woodland Conservation Fund (established by Resolution 14-08) that collects fees to offset impacts. Fund allocations are made only by the Board of Supervisors. Alternatively, on-site preservation or replanting may satisfy mitigation requirements.
For routine tree trimming and maintenance (not removal), there are no county permits required. However, if you're planning to remove oaks on a property where development is anticipated, consult with the Community Development Department first.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Premature oak removal can result in building permits being withheld for up to 5 years on the affected property. Monetary fines can reach up to 3 times the in-lieu mitigation fee. These penalties apply even if the removal occurred before a development application was filed, thanks to the 5-year lookback provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut down an oak tree on my property?
Do I need a permit to trim an oak tree?
What is a Heritage Tree?
What is the Oak Woodland Conservation Fund?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in Tuolumne County
How does Tuolumne County compare?
See how Tuolumne County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.