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

Colusa County, a rural agricultural jurisdiction in the Sacramento Valley and Coast Range foothills, has not adopted a tree-removal-permit, heritage-tree, or oak-woodland-protection ordinance for its unincorporated area. Accordingly, there is no county permit required to remove most trees on private property. The principal county tree-protection rule is found in the zoning code's Wetlands, Waterways, Riparian Habitat, and Sensitive Habitat section (Section 44-5.20, Ord. No. 765). It establishes a fifty-foot 'natural resource buffer area' measured outward from the top of bank of lakes, perennial ponds, rivers, creeks, sloughs, and perennial streams, and within fifty feet of wetlands and sensitive habitat. Section 44-5.20.030.C prohibits grading or 'cutting or alteration of natural vegetation that protects a riparian habitat or natural resource buffer area' except when required for an approved structure, necessary for public health and safety, or part of an approved restoration project. Section 44-5.20.040 requires coordination with agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the State Water Resources Control Board for work affecting these areas. Beyond the buffer, oak and tree impacts may still be evaluated under CEQA and General Plan policies during discretionary project review, and commercial timber harvest is regulated by CAL FIRE under state law. The cities of Colusa and Williams apply their own tree rules.