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Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Sacramento?

It depends on where you live (City of Sacramento vs. unincorporated Sacramento County vs. another city) and on the tree. This is a plain-language summary of official sources checked October 2026 — not legal advice. Always confirm with the agency before cutting.

City of Sacramento

Per City of Sacramento Urban Forestry – Tree Permits and Sacramento City Code ch. 12.56, a permit is required for regulated work (removal or certain pruning) on:

• City trees — trees partly or fully in a City park, City property, or public right-of-way (street, sidewalk, park/mow strip, alley).
• Private protected trees: native Valley, Blue, Interior Live, or Coast Live Oak, California Sycamore, or California Buckeye at 12"+ DSH; any tree 32"+ DSH on a lot with a single-family or duplex home; any tree 24"+ DSH on undeveloped land or other property types (commercial, apartments, etc.); or trees designated by City Council.

DSH = diameter at standard height (about 4.5 ft above ground). Per the City's Tree Questions page, trees that are not protected can be removed by the owner without a permit, and removing a protected tree without a permit can bring administrative penalties of $250–$25,000. Applications are generally processed within about 10 business days; call or email 311 with questions.

Unincorporated Sacramento County

(Including Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Arden-Arcade, Orangevale, etc.) Per Sacramento County Tree Permits and the County Tree Preservation Ordinance (County Code ch. 19.12), a permit is required to remove or prune public trees in County right-of-way or County land, native oaks on any property including private homes, landmark trees, and certain landscaping trees in parking lots, commercial, apartment, or HOA common areas. The County lists a $31.95 permit fee (as of July 1, 2025) with review typically under 10 working days; contact [email protected].

Other cities

Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Citrus Heights, and Rancho Cordova each have their own tree ordinances (often protecting native oaks). Check with that city's planning or public works department.

Tips

• Measure the trunk at about 4.5 ft high and identify the species before calling.
• Keep a copy of the permit at the work site.
• A reputable licensed tree pro can help determine whether your tree is protected — verify licenses at cslb.ca.gov.

Before you hire

Get more than one written quote, and verify the contractor's license and insurance at cslb.ca.gov.

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Tree removal costs by area: Sacramento · Elk Grove · Roseville · Folsom · Citrus Heights · Rancho Cordova · Carmichael
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