Tree removal in Nevada City: the local rules

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

What Nevada City's code says

Nevada City code What Nevada City's code adds
Exemptions	City staff may approve removal to protect public health, safety or welfare. Applies: Trees 10 inches dbh or more; applies even if over 20% of such trees on the property were removed in the past 5 years. § 17.80.090 · code text Even if there has been the removal of more than twenty (20) percent of the total trees ten (10) inches or more (dbh) on the property within the past five (5) years, a tree that is ten (10) inches (dbh) or greater may be removed to protect the public's health, safety, or welfare, and such removal may be approved by the city staff.
Permit to remove	Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Any tree 10 inches or more in diameter (dbh); staff permit if 5-year removals stay under 20% of such trees, else planning commission review. § 17.80.090 · code text The cutting or removal of any tree ten (10) inches or more in diameter (dbh) within the city is prohibited except after receiving a permit. Yes; only after a building permit and fees, with planning commission approval as part of site plan approval. Applies: Tree removal tied to a construction project. § 18.01.060 · code text The removal of a tree(s) associated with a construction project is permitted only after obtaining a building permit and paying all applicable fees associated with development and must be approved by the planning commission as a part of the site plan approval.
Protected trees	Any tree with a trunk 14 inches or more in diameter, measured 54 inches above existing grade. Applies: Additionally protected trees on public or private property. § 18.01.036 · code text Any tree which has a trunk fourteen (14) inches in diameter or more, meat fifty-four (54) inches dbh above existing grade; Trees 10 inches or more in diameter (dbh). Applies: Trees in the city. § 17.80.090 · code text The cutting or removal of any tree ten (10) inches or more in diameter (dbh) within the city is prohibited except after receiving a permit. Trees or groves with historical significance, such as Felix Gillet trees, commemorative trees and trees marking a historical event. Applies: Additionally protected trees on public or private property. § 18.01.036 · code text Any tree, grove of trees which have historical significance, including but not limited to those which were/are: Trees or groves with horticultural significance, such as old, distinctive, rare, habitat-providing or city-council-identified trees. Applies: Additionally protected trees on public or private property. § 18.01.036 · code text Any tree or grove of trees which have horticultural significance, including but not limited to those which are:

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Nevada City?

Nevada City's code: Yes, a permit is required. (Any tree 10 inches or more in diameter (dbh); staff permit if 5-year removals stay under 20% of such trees, else planning commission review.) (§ 17.80.090); Any tree with a trunk 14 inches or more in diameter, measured 54 inches above existing grade. (Additionally protected trees on public or private property.) (§ 18.01.036).

Tree removal in Nevada City

What Nevada City's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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