About us: Sac Tree Quotes is a free referral service that connects Sacramento-area homeowners with independent local tree professionals. We are not a tree contractor and do not perform tree work, and we may be paid by the pros we refer.
Rancho Cordova's private-tree rules (Rancho Cordova Municipal Code ch. 19.12 (Preservation and Protection of Private Trees)) are run by the city's Public Works department, not Planning. They cover native oaks and large trees of any species, and they regulate heavy pruning as well as removal. The city also requires stumps to be ground out. Here's what the code and the city's pages say.
Under § 19.12.030(V), a "protected tree" is:
Trees for sale at a nursery aren't included. Diameter (DSH) is measured 4.5 feet above natural grade (circumference ÷ 3.14); for a tree with several trunks from a common root system, DSH is the largest trunk's diameter plus half the combined diameter of the others. The city's Rancho Cordova Protected Tree FAQ (PDF) gives the same definition.
Street trees are separate. Under RCMC ch. 19.04 (Protection of Public Trees), a public tree permit is required before anyone trims, prunes, removes, or otherwise alters a public tree in a street, planting easement, public sidewalk, median, or other city right-of-way — whether the tree is alive or dead.
Section 19.12.040 says no one may, without an approved tree permit:
Topping (cutting back more than 50% of the canopy) is prohibited unless the Public Works Director permits it. The code also says the property owner or tenant and the person doing the work are responsible for having the permit or its conditions at the work site. Unlike Citrus Heights or unincorporated Sacramento County, we didn't find a small-lot or single-family-home exemption in chapter 19.12 — so if a protected tree is on a residential lot, assume a permit is needed and confirm with Public Works.
Without a permit, § 19.12.100 does allow some activities near protected trees, including pruning broken branches damaged by weather or failure and utility work done under a certified arborist's supervision.
If a protected tree is an imminent and serious threat to health, safety, or nearby property, § 19.12.080 allows emergency removal — but requires an after-the-fact application within 10 business days, with a photo of the condition and a letter from a certified arborist or a report from a recognized emergency worker documenting the emergency. Take photos before the tree is cut. See our emergency tree removal guide.
The city's City of Rancho Cordova – Tree Removal and Pruning Permit page says that if you have a protected tree on your property — including street trees, native oaks, and prominent or stately trees — you must apply to remove or prune it, and links to the online request. Under § 19.12.050, the application to the Public Works Director includes:
The code says staff review the application within 20 business days, and the FAQ says to allow up to 20 days for a decision. The Rancho Cordova Protected Tree FAQ (PDF) lists a $31 permit fee due when the permit is issued — that document may be dated, so confirm the current fee with the city. See the Rancho Cordova arborist report requirements (PDF) for what an arborist report should contain; you can find an arborist in ISA's Find an Arborist directory.
Under § 19.12.070, the Director weighs criteria including whether the tree is dead; dying with 50% or more of its leaves and buds dead; infested or diseased beyond mitigation; structurally unsound or a significant risk that can't reasonably be mitigated; overcrowded; interfering with reasonable development, utilities, or a solar system; its proximity to structures; and whether there are alternatives that would save it. A denial comes in writing, and you have 15 days from mailing of the notice to appeal.
Permit terms: a permit is valid for six months (one extension of up to six months), covers only the trees approved, and must be kept at the site. If the tree is removed, the stump must be ground to 4 inches below grade or fully removed (§ 19.12.060). Separately, § 19.12.220 declares any tree stump (6"+ diameter) visible from the public right-of-way a public nuisance that must be ground down or removed. See stump grinding cost.
Replacement: under § 19.12.120, permits for removing protected trees on lots with a single-unit or duplex home require one replacement tree per protected tree removed; other properties replace inch-for-inch (15-gallon = 1 inch, 24-inch box = 2 inches, 36-inch box = 3 inches), or pay an in-lieu fee. The Director may waive replacement for overcrowded canopies, and for hazardous trees or trees damaging a main structure — though in those last two cases the code still calls for at least one replacement tree unless replanting would be ineffective.
Penalties: a violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000, plus required replacement measures (§ 19.12.240).
For typical prices, see tree removal cost in Rancho Cordova.
We don't do tree work ourselves. Tell us about your tree and we'll connect you with independent local tree professionals so you can compare written quotes. Always verify the contractor's license and insurance at cslb.ca.gov.
Tree removal costs by area: Sacramento · Elk Grove · Roseville · Folsom · Citrus Heights · Rancho Cordova · Carmichael · West Sacramento · Davis · Natomas · Antelope · Fair Oaks
More guides: Stump grinding cost · Emergency/storm removal · Tree trimming cost · Palm tree removal · Tree permits · Tree fell on house: insurance · Neighbor & boundary trees · Oak tree removal · Dead/hazardous trees · Trees near power lines · Roots, sewers & foundations · Elk Grove permits · Roseville permits · Folsom permits · Citrus Heights permits · Rancho Cordova permits · Sacramento County permits