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Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Folsom?

Folsom has one of the more detailed tree ordinances in the region: Folsom Municipal Code ch. 12.16 (Tree Preservation), adopted by Ordinance 1299 in 2020. It protects native oaks, heritage trees, landmark trees, and "regulated trees" (which include many street trees — even ones on private property). Most removals of a protected tree require a Tree Removal Permit, and major pruning or work around one requires a Tree Work Permit. Here's what the code and the city's arborist pages say.

Which trees are protected in Folsom?

Under § 12.16.020, "protected trees" are native oak trees, heritage trees, landmark trees, and regulated trees:

• Native oak trees: valley oak, blue oak, interior live oak, and coast live oak (or hybrids) with a trunk of 6 inches DSH or more — or, for multi-trunk trees, a combined DSH of 20 inches. A multi-trunk native oak with any single stem of 6 inches or more also counts.
• Heritage trees: a tree on the city's master tree list over 30 inches DSH, or a multi-trunk tree on the list with a combined DSH of 50 inches or more (except species listed as not eligible).
• Landmark trees: trees designated by the City Council.
• Regulated trees: trees required by the zoning code (such as street trees and parking-lot shade trees), trees required as conditions of project approval, and trees planted as mitigation. The code defines a street tree as an approved-species tree within 12.5 feet of a street or sidewalk (measured from the back of sidewalk, or back of curb if there's no sidewalk), and says street trees can be privately or publicly owned.

DSH is measured 4.5 feet above ground on the high side of the tree. The City of Folsom Arborist FAQ summarizes the same protected categories.

What needs a permit

• Tree Removal Permit — required before removing any protected tree, unless exempt (§ 12.16.050(B)).
• Tree Work Permit — required for "regulated activities": major pruning, grading, trenching, paving, or soil disturbance within the tree protection zone, cabling or bracing, and other activities that may affect long-term health (§ 12.16.050(A)). "Major pruning" means cutting any branch or root 2 inches or more in diameter, or more than 10% of the root system and crown combined within 12 months.

Section 12.16.040 also prohibits topping a protected tree, using climbing spikes or spurs while pruning, and pruning that doesn't follow the city's tree care standards.

Exemptions

Under § 12.16.050(C), activities exempt from both permits include:

• Routine maintenance — minor pruning (cuts under 2 inches, no more than 10% of the crown and roots in 12 months), dead branch removal, irrigation, mulching, and similar care.
• Emergency work removing limbs or trees damaged by extreme weather, chance occurrence, or accident beyond the owner's reasonable control.
• Removal of a protected tree that is dead or dying as determined by an arborist and/or verified by the city arborist — provided the tree replacement requirements are met.
• Removal of a protected tree that poses an imminent safety risk to the public as determined by the city arborist or fire chief.
• Utility pruning or removal needed for safe operation (with advance notice to the city).
• Activities that don't disturb the soil in the tree protection zone or touch the tree.

How Folsom decides on a removal permit

The City of Folsom – Tree Permits and Guidelines page says that once an application is complete, the City Arborist reviews it against the findings in chapter 12.16. Applications go through the Folsom ePermit Center, and the code says no application is complete until the fee is paid (fees are set by City Council resolution — check the city for current amounts). A tree protection and mitigation plan, with an arborist report, may be required. Under § 12.16.080(B), at least one of these findings is required to approve removal:

1. The tree's condition (disease, danger of falling, or long-term health) is such that it's not likely to survive.
2. The tree or its roots interfere with water, sewer, gas, electric service, streets, or sidewalks, and there are no reasonable alternative measures.
3. The tree or its roots are causing (or will soon cause) damage to an existing permanent structure or feature — including pools and driveways — on the property or a neighbor's, with no reasonable alternatives.
4. The property can't be used consistent with the zoning code unless the tree is removed, with no reasonable alternatives.
5. The tree is a protected tree other than a native oak or landmark tree in the front yard of a residential lot of one-half acre or less with an existing home, and the owner agrees to plant a replacement tree.

"Reasonable alternative measures" can include root barriers, pruning, root pruning, and soil protection, so expect the city to ask whether those were considered.

Timing: a tree removal permit becomes effective 10 calendar days after approval unless appealed; appeals must be filed in writing within 10 calendar days of the decision. Permits not exercised within six months expire (a six-month extension can be requested). Tree work permit decisions are final and not appealable.

Replacement: under § 12.16.150, protected trees removed are generally replaced at ratios tied to their condition rating — for example, one inch of replacement for each inch of DSH removed for trees rated 3–5 on the ASCA rating scale — planted on site where possible, otherwise through in-lieu fees. Street trees removed from residential lots of one-half acre or less with an existing home are replaced one-for-one. The director can consider reducing or waiving replacement in some cases.

Practical checklist for Folsom homeowners

1. Identify the tree: native oak (including coast live oak) 6"+ DSH? Over 30" DSH and on the master tree list? A street tree within 12.5 ft of the sidewalk or street?
2. Dead or dying? Get an arborist's written determination and expect replacement planting even though no permit is needed.
3. Otherwise, apply for a Tree Removal Permit (or Tree Work Permit for major pruning or digging near the tree) through the ePermit Center before any work.
4. Make sure your contractor won't top the tree or use spikes on a protected tree. Tree work is a CSLB-licensed specialty (C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor); verify at cslb.ca.gov. Per the CSLB bulletin on the $1,000 minor-work limit, unlicensed persons can't take jobs of $1,000+ or jobs requiring a permit.
5. Find an ISA Certified Arborist for reports in ISA's Find an Arborist directory.

For typical prices, see tree removal cost in Folsom.

Related guides

• Roseville tree removal permits
• Elk Grove tree removal permits
• Oak tree removal rules
• Tree roots, sewers & foundations
• Dead or hazardous trees

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