Placer County, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Native tree threshold
- 6 inches dbh
- Oak species threshold
- 5 inches dbh
- Riparian trees
- protected regardless of size
- Exempt species
- foothill pine, manzanita brush
- Damage penalty
- $50 per scar
- Unpermitted removal fine
- up to 3x market value
Summary
Placer County's Woodland Conservation ordinance protects native trees at least six inches in trunk diameter, oak species at five inches, and all riparian-zone and landmark trees regardless of size. Foothill pines and brush like manzanita are exempt. A tree permit is required before removing a protected tree in covered areas.
"Tree" means a tall woody plant native to California, with a single main stem or trunk at least six inches dbh, or a multiple trunk with an aggregate of at least 10 inches dbh. For all oak species (Quercus sp.) the woody plant will be considered a tree when the single main stem is five inches dbh or larger. (Note: Foothill pines are exempt from this article. Also, see "riparian zone" definition.) Certain plants which are more commonly found as "brush," such as manzanita, are not considered to be a tree in this article regardless of size.
Full Breakdown
) qualify at just five inches dbh. 020). 030(A), the article applies to all native trees, landmark trees, riparian-zone trees, and certain commercial firewood operations, except as exempted. 030(B)). 030(D)). 040, however, only reaches four specific community plan areas: portions of Horseshoe Bar/Penryn, Dry Creek-West Placer, Granite Bay, and Auburn/Bowman. Outside those zones, only the riparian, firewood-cutting, 50-percent-removal, and landmark-tree rules apply. 50 at all; tree removal there falls under the bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), whose thresholds are set in TRPA's own code, not this county chapter.
Violations & Fines
Damaging a protected tree during construction draws a $50-per-scar penalty payable to the county (Section 19.50.090(D)). Removing a protected tree without first obtaining a tree permit requires replacement plus a fine equal to the current market value of the replacement trees; removing a tree an approving body designated to be saved triggers a fine up to three times that market value plus up to triple replacement (Section 19.50.090(E)-(F)). Violations are misdemeanors or infractions at the discretion of county counsel or the district attorney (Section 19.50.090(J)), and unpermitted removal can defer development approval on the parcel for up to five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size oak tree is protected in unincorporated Placer County?
Are foothill pines protected?
Does this ordinance protect trees at Lake Tahoe?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placer County
California rules heatmap·Compare Placer County to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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