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

Folsom's code: Emergency removal of limbs or trees damaged by extreme weather, chance events or accidents beyond the owner's control. (§ 12.16.050); Removing a dead or dying protected tree, as an arborist finds or the city arborist verifies, if replacement is done. (§ 12.16.050).

Tree removal in Folsom: the local rules

Folsom code What Folsom's code adds
Exemptions	Emergency removal of limbs or trees damaged by extreme weather, chance events or accidents beyond the owner's control. § 12.16.050 · code text Emergency work involving the removal of limbs or trees damaged by extreme weather, chance occurrence, or unavoidable accident beyond the reasonable control of the property owner. Removing a dead or dying protected tree, as an arborist finds or the city arborist verifies, if replacement is done. § 12.16.050 · code text Removal of a protected tree that is dead or dying as determined by an arborist and/or verified by the city arborist; provided, that the tree replacement requirements are met. Removing a protected tree that is an imminent public safety risk, as the city arborist or fire chief decides. § 12.16.050 · code text Removal of a protected tree that poses an imminent safety risk to the public as determined by the city arborist or city fire chief. Minor pruning. § 12.16.050 · code text Minor pruning activities. Routine care of protected trees. § 12.16.050 · code text Routine maintenance of protected trees.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit is required. Applies: Applies to removing any protected tree. § 12.16.050 · code text A tree removal permit is required before removal of any protected tree, except where specifically exempted by subsection C of this section.
Replacement trees	Replace 1 inch for every 1 inch of trunk diameter (DSH) removed. Applies: Applies to protected trees rated 3, 4 or 5 in the ASCA Tree Rating System. § 12.16.150 · code text Protected trees rated 3, 4 or 5 in the ASCA Tree Rating System in Section 12.16.140(B) shall be replaced at a ratio of one-inch equivalent for every one inch of DSH removed as shown in Table 12.16-11. 2 replacement trees for every inch of protected tree removed. Applies: Applies when saplings or trees in containers under 15 gallons are used as replacements. § 12.16.150 · code text Smaller trees such as saplings or trees in containers less than fifteen gallons may be used, but two replacement trees of that size would be required for every inch of protected tree removed. Replace ½ inch for every 1 inch removed. Applies: Applies to protected trees rated 2. § 12.16.150 · code text Protected trees rated 2 shall be replaced at a ratio of one-half-inch equivalent for every one inch removed. No replacement or other mitigation. Applies: Applies to protected trees rated 0 or 1, unless the zoning code requires a parking lot shade tree or street tree replacement. § 12.16.150 · code text Protected trees rated 0 or 1 require no replacement or any other mitigation unless a parking lot shading tree or street tree replacement is required under the zoning code. Mitigation is cut by 50%. Applies: Applies when any part of the tree base is in the buildable area of a parcel zoned for homes. § 12.16.150 · code text Within the buildable area of a parcel zoned to allow for residential development, the mitigation requirements shall be reduced by fifty percent if any part of the tree base is located within the buildable area as shown in Figure 12.16-12. 1 replacement tree for every tree removed. Applies: Applies to street trees on residential property of ½ acre or less with an existing home. § 12.16.150 · code text Street trees on residential property one-half acre or less shall be replaced at a ratio of one replacement tree for every tree removed if the property has an existing residential structure on site. 2 replacement trees for every street tree removed. Applies: Applies to residential properties over ½ acre, at the approving authority's discretion. § 12.16.150 · code text For residential properties greater than one-half acre, two replacement trees for every street tree removed shall be required at the discretion of the approving authority. Replacement trees go on the same property; if they do not fit, an in-lieu fee is required. Applies: Applies to removing a protected tree. § 12.16.150 · code text Replacement trees shall be planted on the same property as the protected tree proposed for removal, subject to review by the approving authority. Where the subject property is not able to accommodate the required number of replacement trees on site, the payment of in-lieu fees shall be required in accordance with subsection (B)(2) of this section. The in-lieu fee is a dollar amount per DSH inch removed, set by city council resolution. Applies: Applies when the property cannot fit the required replacement trees. § 12.16.150 · code text The in-lieu fee shall be calculated as a dollar amount for each DSH inch of protected tree removed, as adopted by city council resolution. Replanting, maintenance and monitoring for three years of one fifteen-gallon tree from a species of similar size at maturity listed on the Folsom master tree list Applies: Minimum mitigation when tree preservation credit is granted § 12.16.150 · code text The replanting, maintenance and monitoring for three years of one fifteen-gallon tree from a species of similar size at maturity that is listed on the Folsom master tree list; An in-lieu fee equal to replacing the protected tree at 1-inch DSH. Applies: An alternative minimum mitigation when tree preservation credit is granted. § 12.16.150 · code text The in-lieu fee equivalent to the replacement of the protected tree at one-inch DSH.

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