How to apply for a tree removal permit in Folsom, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Folsom's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 6" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Any tree with 6+ inch trunk diameter at 4.5 feet. Multi-trunk: 20+ inch aggregate if no single trunk exceeds 6 inches. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value under the Folsom Tree Preservation Ordinance; any tree with 6-inch or greater trunk diameter at 4.5 feet automatically subject to protected-tree review (multi-trunk threshold 20-inch aggregate).

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Folsom: Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH (single-trunk 6+ or multi-trunk 20+ aggregate at 4.5 feet), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved Folsom native and adapted species list. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; multi-trunk measurements per the 20-inch aggregate protocol at 4.5 feet under the Folsom Tree Preservation Ordinance.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Community Development - Arborist Services. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.folsom.ca.us/government/community-development/arborist-services/tree-preservation-ordinance-update.

    View the full Folsom ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under the Folsom Tree Preservation Ordinance; 24-inch box replacement from approved species list. 24-inch box minimum replacement trees from the approved Folsom native and adapted species list; in-lieu deposits to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Community Development - Arborist Services

Other California permit walkthroughs

See California replacement obligations compared — how Folsom's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See California heritage criteria compared — how Folsom's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Folsom permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Folsom's required report sections. Free, no account required.

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