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

Lake County does not issue a city-style 'tree removal permit' for removing a single tree from private property, and California has no statewide private-oak permit. Removal is instead captured by several other approvals. (1) The County Grading Ordinance (County Code Chapter 30, added 2007) treats 'clearing of vegetation' as part of grading: Section 30-14 covers clearing including firebreaks, and Section 30-14.2 covers clearing for rangeland management, so removing trees as part of land clearing, building sites, or grading projects can require a grading permit and erosion-control measures. (2) The County Zoning Ordinance applies overlay protections: the Scenic Combining District (Article 34) protects scenic resources, and the Environmental Protection provisions (Article 64) can condition or restrict tree removal on parcels carrying those overlays - typically reviewed when a discretionary development project is proposed. (3) Discretionary projects also undergo CEQA review, which is the main mechanism protecting Lake County's oak woodlands and Clear Lake watershed vegetation. (4) Commercial timber harvesting is regulated by the State through a Timber Harvesting Plan prepared by a Registered Professional Forester and carried out by a Licensed Timber Operator via CAL FIRE's CalTREES system. Homeowners should confirm parcel-specific overlays with Community Development before removing significant trees.