Sierra County, CA Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Unincorporated Sierra County does not maintain a city-style tree-protection or heritage/landmark-tree permit program. Whether a permit is required to remove trees depends on the scale, location and purpose of the work. Within the grading, erosion and sediment control ordinance (SCC Chapter 12.08), vegetation removal is exempt only up to thresholds: SCC 12.08.070 exempts removal, plowing under, or burial of less than one acre (43,560 square feet) of vegetation in a single area within a two-year period, or less than 10,000 square feet on slopes of 10 percent or greater. Beyond those limits - or where clearing would create erodible slopes, affect a watercourse, wetland or riparian habitat, or fall within a scenic-corridor overlay - a grading permit and erosion-control measures can be required, and the ordinance directs preservation of natural vegetation wherever possible (SCC 12.08.590). Removing trees within a County road right-of-way requires an encroachment permit under Title 35. Commercial timber harvesting on Sierra County's extensive forest land is regulated by the State of California through the Z'berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act and CAL FIRE/Board of Forestry timber-harvest plans, not the County. Tree removal undertaken to create defensible space around structures is encouraged under PRC 4291. Owners should confirm requirements with the Sierra County Planning Department before any large-scale or slope/watercourse-affecting removal.