Tree removal in Eureka: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Eureka Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Eureka's code says

Eureka code What Eureka's code adds
Exemptions	Allowed in emergencies with a zoning clearance: tree in immediate danger of collapse and an imminent threat to public safety. Applies: Hazardous protected trees, in all areas. § 155.304.140 · code text In cases of emergency, a protected tree may be removed or altered if the tree: 1. Presents an immediate danger of collapse; and 2. Poses an imminent threat to the public safety or general welfare.
Permit to remove	A minor or conditional gulch greenway permit. Applies: Removing or altering a protected tree inside GGMA: minor permit for 5 or fewer, conditional permit for more than 5 every 10 years. § 155.304.140 · code text Inside GGMA, removing or altering a protected tree requires either a minor or conditional gulch greenway permit. A tree permit. Applies: Removing or altering more than 5 protected trees outside GGMA every 10 years. § 155.304.140 · code text Outside GGMA, removing or altering more than five protected trees requires a tree permit. A zoning clearance. Applies: Removing or altering 5 or fewer protected trees outside GGMA. § 155.304.140 · code text Removing or altering five or fewer protected trees requires a zoning clearance. A zoning clearance. Applies: Removing or altering a hazardous protected tree, in all areas. § 155.304.140 · code text Removing or altering a hazardous protected tree is allowed in all areas with a zoning clearance as follows: A zoning clearance. Applies: A protected tree outside GGMA within 15 feet of a proposed new structure's footprint, shown on the project site plan. § 155.304.140 · code text Within 15 ft. of structure \| MGG \| ZC A zoning clearance. Applies: A protected tree outside GGMA that blocks a solar energy system; an arborist or RPF report must find removal necessary. § 155.304.140 · code text Blocks solar access \| MGG [1] \| ZC A zoning clearance. Applies: Removal or alteration that the owner's or prospective owner's insurer requires to keep or get coverage. § 155.304.140 · code text A protected tree may be removed or altered with a zoning clearance when required by the property owner's or prospective property owner's insurance company as a condition of maintaining or obtaining coverage, based on evidence of the requirement. A zoning clearance. Applies: Tree removal done under, and in line with, a valid CalFire-approved timber harvesting plan. § 155.304.140 · code text This applies only to tree removal conducted under and in compliance with a valid timber harvesting plan (THP) approved by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). No permit is needed. Applies: Actions affecting a tree that is not protected. § 155.304.140 · code text No permit is required for actions affecting a non-protected tree.
Protected trees	Any tree native to coastal Northern California with a 12-inch diameter or 38-inch circumference or more, measured 4.5 feet up. Applies: Inside gulch greenway management areas (GGMA); native trees as listed in the Calflora or USDA Plants databases. § 155.304.140 · code text In GGMA, a PROTECTED TREE means any tree native to coastal Northern California, as identified in the Calflora database or USDA Plants Database, with a 12-inch diameter, or a circumference of 38 inches, or greater, as measured 4.5 feet above the ground.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Eureka's code: A minor or conditional gulch greenway permit. (Removing or altering a protected tree inside GGMA: minor permit for 5 or fewer, conditional permit for more than 5 every 10 years.) (§ 155.304.140); Any tree native to coastal Northern California with a 12-inch diameter or 38-inch circumference or more, measured 4.5 feet up. (Inside gulch greenway management areas (GGMA); native trees as listed in the Calflora or USDA Plants databases.) (§ 155.304.140).

Tree removal in Eureka

What Eureka's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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