Oak Tree Removal Information

On July 22, 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved updates to the County’s Oak Resources Conservation Ordinance (Chapter 130.39 of the Zoning Ordinance). The changes included updates for consistency with state law and the County’s Defensible Space Ordinance and to clarify existing regulations (such as those for public projects, heritage trees and in-lieu fee calculations). Updates also included changes to exemptions for fire safety work, insurance-required tree removal, and single-family parcels.  

Under the new amendments, some oak tree removals will not require a County permit or mitigation. A permit exemption means no County approval is needed. A mitigation exemption means that you don't have to pay fees, replant trees, or take other steps after the County approves your oak tree removal permit.  

Permit Exemptions for Oak Tree Removal

• Trees less than 6” diameter at breast height (dbh) in size

• Trees damaged by natural disasters

• Approved defensible space activities

• County road projects

• Public utility construction/maintenance

Mitigation Exemptions for Oak Tree Removal
(County permit still required)

• Insurance-required tree removal

✔   Requires documentation by insurance company or qualified professional

✔   Rapid permit processing

• Personal use (e.g. firewood, woodworking or fabrication of oak wood products)

✔   Limited to 140 Diameter Inches/8 trees per year

• Dead, dying or diseased trees

✔   Requires certification by qualified professional