Sacramento Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide
Sacramento County, California
Protected Tree Definition
City trees, private protected trees (large trees, native oaks, sycamores, buckeyes). Native oaks with 6+ inch DBH or multi-trunked with 10+ inch aggregate.
Protected Species
Heritage / Landmark Trees
Trees designated by City Council for outstanding historical, ecological, or aesthetic significance.
Permit Requirements
Special permit for regulated work on city or private protected trees.
Who can apply: Property owner, adjacent property owner (for parkway trees), or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report
Required Report Sections
Species identification, DBH (single-trunk 6+ or multi-trunk 10+ aggregate), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan, ISA Certified Arborist findings
Replacement Requirements
1:1 based on DBH of tree removed
Replacement plan specifying location, monitoring, and maintenance.
Fees & Fines
- Permit fee
- $200.00
- Max fine/tree
- $10,000.00
Processing Time
3-6 weeks
Required Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist
Municipal Code
Sacramento City Code Chapter 12.56
View full ordinanceContact
Urban Forestry Services
(916) 808-4999
Nearby Cities in Sacramento County
Other California cities
Compare with nearby cities
Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Sacramento before submitting permits or reports.
Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Sacramento →
See California permit fees compared: How Sacramento's $200.00 fee ranks in California →
See California replacement obligations compared: How Sacramento's replacement ratio ranks in California →
See California heritage criteria compared: How Sacramento's heritage designation ranks in California →
Need an arborist report for Sacramento?
Start your free TRAQ tree risk assessment — designed for Sacramento's specific permit requirements.