West Sacramento, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies on
- Private and public property
- Removal requires
- Tree administrator permit
- Landmark status set by
- City council
- Removal condition
- Replacement or in-lieu fee
Summary
West Sacramento bars anyone from removing, damaging or heavily pruning a designated heritage or landmark tree, private or public, without a discretionary permit from the tree administrator.
It is unlawful to perform any of the following acts with respect to a landmark or heritage tree within the city limits without a tree permit issued by the tree administrator.
A. Move, remove, cut down, poison, set fire to or permit fire to burn in proximity to or perform or fail to perform any act which results in the unnatural death or destruction of a landmark or heritage tree;
B. Perform any activity that will interfere with or retard the natural growth of any landmark or heritage tree;
C. Perform any work or permit any work to be performed within the drip line area of a landmark or heritage tree which would endanger the tree;
D. Trim or prune any branch of a landmark or heritage tree which is five inches in diameter or greater. (Ord. 04-01 § 3)
Full Breakdown
WSMC § 8.24.060, governing the City of West Sacramento, Yolo County, makes it unlawful to move, remove, cut down, poison, or otherwise cause the death of a landmark or heritage tree anywhere in the city without a tree permit, whether the tree stands on private or public property. The same section bars interfering with a heritage or landmark tree's growth, working within its drip line, or trimming a branch five inches or larger without a permit. 'Heritage tree' and 'landmark tree' are defined at § 8.24.020; landmark status is designated by the city council.
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging a heritage or landmark tree without a permit is unlawful under WSMC § 8.24.060; the tree administrator can require a same-size replacement tree or an in-lieu fee under § 8.24.084.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a heritage oak from my own yard in West Sacramento?
What happens if I remove a heritage tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare West Sacramento to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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