Sacramento's Heritage Tree program (City Code Chapter 12.56) provides special protection for historically, culturally, or environmentally significant trees. Heritage Trees are designated by City Council resolution and include exceptionally large trees, trees of notable species or age, and trees of historical significance. Removal or significant alteration of Heritage Trees requires City Council approval and carries the highest penalties for violations.
Heritage Trees (now called Private Protected Trees under amended ordinance language) include trees meeting specific size thresholds or designated by the City Council for their historic, cultural, or environmental significance. The City maintains a Heritage Tree inventory. Any work on or near a Heritage Tree requires a permit from the City Arborist, including pruning more than 25% of the canopy, root cutting within the dripline, or paving within the root zone. Developers must design projects to preserve Heritage Trees where feasible, and removal requires demonstrating that no reasonable alternative exists. Replacement ratios for Heritage Trees are higher than standard protected trees.
Unauthorized removal or damage to Heritage Trees carries fines of up to $25,000 per tree, mandatory replacement planting at enhanced ratios, and potential criminal prosecution. The City may also require compensatory payments based on the appraised value of the tree.
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See how Sacramento's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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