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SITE NAVIGATION

Urban Forestry

Tree Permits and Ordinances

Urban Forestry

Tree Permits and Ordinances

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When is a tree permit needed?

A permit is required to perform regulated work on “City Trees” or “Private Protected Trees” (which includes trees formerly referred to as “Heritage Trees”). City trees are characterized as trees partially or completely located in a City park, on City owned property, or on a public right-of-way, including any street, road, sidewalk, park strip, mow strip or alley. Private protected trees are defined as trees designated to have special historical value, special environmental value, or significant community benefit, and is located on private property. Private protected trees are:

All native trees at 12 inch DSH*. Native trees include: Coast, Interior, Valley and Blue Oaks, CA Sycamore and Buckeye.
All trees at 32 inch DSH with an existing single family or duplex dwelling.
All trees at 24 inch DSH on undeveloped land or any other type of property such as commercial, industrial, and apartments.

Tree permits

Approved permits are required before work can be performed. If you plan to perform work on a City or private protected tree, download the Tree Permit Application. Once received by the Urban Forestry office, permit applications are generally processed within ten (10) business days. This time frame can vary based on the nature of the request and volume of requests received at any given time.

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Tree Permit Application

If you plan to perform work on a City or private protected tree

DSH: Diameter Standard Height

Learn how to measure a tree's DSH.

Selecting a tree care professional

The City performs regulated work on City trees only. Tree maintenance for private trees should be provided by trained tree care professionals. When choosing a tree care professional, the following should be considered:

Membership with a professional organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)
Certification through the ISA’s Certified Arborist or Tree Worker programs
Competitive pricing (three bids)
Proof of Insurance
List of references

Tree Maintenance&Conservation

ORDINANCE NO. 2016-0026

City Tree Code

Chapter 12.56

Sacramento City Code 12.56 was amended and adopted by Sacramento City Council on August 4, 2016. The new tree ordinance amends section 2.62.030 & 8.04.100, and deletes chapter 12.60 & 12.64 of the Sacramento City Code, related to trees.

Parking lot shade design guidelines

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With a few exceptions, chapter 17.612.040 requires that trees be planted and maintained in order to provide a minimum of 50% shade over a parking lot.