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

There is no Modoc County ordinance requiring a permit to remove a tree from private property, and a search of the full code confirms the zoning code (Title 18) does not address trees, tree removal, or tree preservation. A homeowner on a developed parcel generally does not need a county permit to remove a tree. The county's tree-related authority is limited to specialized contexts. Commercial timber operations on Timberland Production (TP, Chapter 18.10) and Open Space Forestry and Grazing (OFG, Chapter 18.14) zoned lands are governed by the California Forest Practice Act and require a Timber Harvesting Plan approved by CAL FIRE and the Board of Forestry, a state process rather than a county tree permit. In the Airport Hazard (AH) zone, trees that obstruct airport approach surfaces are treated as nonconforming obstructions under Section 18.90.130, which can require removal or topping for aviation safety. The subdivision code (Section 17.04.020) defines 'clearing' to include removal of trees, so tree removal as part of grading or a subdivision is reviewed through that process and may trigger California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review. Outside these contexts, the county imposes no tree-removal permit, mitigation, or replacement requirement.