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

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

Expected processing time: 3-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 6" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. City trees, private protected trees (large trees, native oaks, sycamores, buckeyes). Native oaks with 6+ inch DBH or multi-trunked with 10+ inch aggregate. Heritage / landmark designation: Trees designated by City Council for outstanding historical, ecological, or aesthetic significance.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Sacramento: Property owner, adjacent property owner (for parkway trees), or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: 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. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Urban Forestry Services. Permit fee: $200.00. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sacramentoca/latest/sacramento_ca/0-0-0-24224.

    View the full Sacramento ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 based on DBH of tree removed. Replacement plan specifying location, monitoring, and maintenance.

Where to file

Urban Forestry Services

(916) 808-4999

Other California permit walkthroughs

See California permit fees compared — Sacramento's $200.00 fee in context.

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Sacramento permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment