Do you need a tree removal permit in Sacramento, CA?

For some trees. Sacramento requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. Sacramento requires an approved permit before regulated work on City trees or Private Protected Trees. Private Protected Trees include native trees at 12 inches DSH, and other trees at 32 inches DSH on single-family or duplex lots or 24 inches DSH on other property. The rules are in Sacramento City Code Chapter 12.56. Our confidence: high. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Private Protected Trees (which include trees formerly called Heritage Trees): all native trees at 12 inch DSH (native trees include Coast, Interior, Valley and Blue Oaks, California Sycamore and Buckeye); all trees at 32 inch DSH on a property with an existing single family or duplex dwelling; all trees at 24 inch DSH on undeveloped land or other property such as commercial, industrial and apartments. The city defines DSH as diameter standard height.

City trees are trees partly or fully in a City park, on City-owned property, or on a public right-of-way, including any street, road, sidewalk, park strip, mow strip or alley. A permit is required for regulated work on them.

Download the Tree Permit Application from the Urban Forestry Tree Permits and Ordinances page and send it to the Urban Forestry office. The city says applications are generally processed within ten business days.

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.

We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.

Yes, they can. County rules, state rules for things like wetlands or protected species, and utility rules near power lines can apply on top of city rules. If your property is outside city limits, the county rules usually apply instead. Ask the city or county office.