Elk Grove Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Sacramento County, California

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

6.0" DBH minimum for protection

Native Tree: any native oak with 6+ inch DSH (single trunk) or 10+ inch aggregate DSH (multi-trunk) at 4.5 feet. Heritage Trees: any tree designated by City Council, or any native oak 30+ inches DSH.

Protected Species

Valley Oak Blue Oak Interior Live Oak California Sycamore other native species

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage Trees: any tree designated by City Council for size, age, historical significance, or community value; automatic designation for native oaks 30+ inches DSH.

Permit Requirements

Tree Preservation Permit required to remove, relocate, or encroach within the protected zone of any Native or Heritage Tree. Development projects must submit an arborist report and Tree Protection Plan.

Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report

Required Report Sections

Tree inventory with species, DSH, canopy dripline, health/condition, impact analysis, tree protection measures, mitigation plan

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement up to a cap; 3:1 count-based for heritage native oaks

On-site replacement with 15-gallon or 24-inch box trees from approved native species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund ($300-$750 per inch DSH removed) when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Elk Grove Municipal Code Chapter 19.12 (Tree Preservation and Protection)

View full ordinance

Contact

Development Services - Planning

Nearby Cities in Sacramento County

Folsom Sacramento

Other California cities

Folsom Menlo Park Mountain View Oakland San Bernardino Santa Monica Torrance West Hollywood
See all California cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Elk Grove before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Elk Grove →

See California replacement obligations compared: How Elk Grove's replacement ratio ranks in California →

See California heritage criteria compared: How Elk Grove's heritage designation ranks in California →

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