Tree removal in Placer County: the local rules

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

What Placer County's code says

Placer County code What Placer County's code adds
Exemptions	No tree permit needed for removal approved with a tentative subdivision map. Applies: Area east of Sierra Summit; not if the subdivision involves a land use conversion. § 12.20.040 · code text Such permit shall be unnecessary for the removal of trees proposed to be removed as approved in connection with the approval by the agency of a tentative map under the subdivision ordinance, except where such subdivision involves a land use conversion No tree permit needed for removal allowed by a grading permit. Applies: Area east of Sierra Summit. § 12.20.040 · code text or for the removal of trees as permitted under a permit issued pursuant to the grading ordinance Single-family homes do not post the tree-protection deposit required for discretionary projects. Applies: Deposit for discretionary projects during construction. § 19.50.080 · code text For discretionary projects, (single-family residences exempt) a ten thousand dollar ($10,000.00) deposit
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree cutting permit is required. Applies: East of Sierra Summit: cutting, moving, removing, killing or materially damaging any live tree 6 inches DBH or more. § 12.20.040 · code text No person shall cut down, move, remove, kill, or materially damage any live tree six inches dbh or over, or attach any appurtenance to a tree, without first having obtained a tree cutting permit Yes, a minor tree permit is required; apply at least 10 days before. Applies: Removing a protected tree or working in its protected zone outside a discretionary project, such as single-family lots. § 19.50.070 · code text Any person desiring to conduct any development activity or remove one or more protected trees, where such development activity or removal is not associated with a discretionary project, shall make application to the planning services division for a minor tree permit
Protected trees	Any live tree 6 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH). Applies: Area east of Sierra Summit. § 12.20.040 · code text No person shall cut down, move, remove, kill, or materially damage any live tree six inches dbh or over, or attach any appurtenance to a tree, without first having obtained a tree cutting permit

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Placer County?

East of Sierra Summit, cutting a live tree 6 inches or more in diameter needs a permit unless a grading permit allows it.

Tree removal in Placer County

Key points

What Placer County's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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