How to Apply for a Tree Permit

A Sacramento County tree permit is required to remove or prune any public tree and certain private trees. Public trees are those that occur on any County owned land (parks, building grounds, etc.) and/or within right-of-way areas.

Removing or pruning trees on privately owned land also requires a tree permit in accordance with Zoning Code Regulations (see Chapter 5.2.4 Landscape Standards of the Zoning Code​​) and the County Code (Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance).

When is a Tree Permit Needed?

Typical examples of tree removal or pruning work that require a tree permit include:

  • Select Landscaping Trees. Any tree located within parking lots and/or the landscaped areas that surround commercial buildings and/or residential common areas in apartment complexes or homeowner's associations.
  • Native Oaks. Native oak trees occurring on any property, including on private residential properties. Review how to identify a native oak.
  • Public Trees. Trees adjacent to roadways within the County right-of-way or on any County land or parkways.
  • Landmark Trees. Certain trees that are especially prominent and stately are also considered “Landmark” trees and receive special consideration for preservation. Landmark trees are often identified during the Conditional Use Permit/Development Plan Review process conducted by the Office of Planning and Environmental Review.

For issues concerning trees on public land or street trees, the 311 dispatcher​ will forward your calls to the County department that manages the property.  If you live in a City within Sacramento County, you will need to contact the City for tree permits or tree concerns.  In order to determine if you are within a City, visit the County's Parcel Viewer, entering the address or parcel number where the tree(s) is located.  The cities on the map are colored and labeled.

How do I Apply for a Tree Permit?

See the Getting Started page for more information on how to apply for a permit and fill out t​he Tre​e Permit​ Ap​​plication​​​. The permit fee is $31.35 and can include multiple trees on one permit. Note: This fee will increase to $31.95 on July 1, 2025.

Other Tree Permit Topics of Interest

Have You Received A Violation Letter?​ 

  • If you have received a violation letter, it is because there is no record of a Tree Permit on file, or you have not complied with the conditions of an existing Tree Permit. Please follow the instructions in the violation letter or contact the Sacramento County Tree Coordinator for additional information.

Development Review. Tree Pruning and Removal as part of a development project.

  • Some tree pruning and removal can be allowed on private land as part of project development if a Building Permit or Planning Application is under review by Sacramento County Tree Coordinator staff. Removal of tree(s) may require replacement mitigation or plantings.

For more information on violations or development review, please contact Planning and Environmental Review by emailing trees@saccounty.gov.

List of Certified Arborists and Tree Trimmers

Sacramento County Tree Ordinance & Zoning Code

Constructiong and Landscaping Around Oaks

Landowner Dispute Resources

Contact Information

For questions concerning street trees, trees on public lands, or trees along creeks, please call 311.

For all other tree questions, please contact the Sacramento Tree Coordinator via email: trees@saccounty.gov

Building Assistance Center
827 7th Street, Room 102
Sacramento, CA 95814