Tree removal in Nevada County: the local rules

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

What Nevada County's code says

Nevada County code What Nevada County's code adds
Exemptions	Exempt: trees approved for removal in a Use Permit, Development Permit or Subdivision. Applies: Applies to the tree permit rule in the Nevada City Sphere of Influence, outside a Timberland Preserve Zone. § 12.03.250 · code text That have been identified for removal as part of a Use Permit, Development Permit or Subdivision; Exempt: trees on developed residentially zoned property. Applies: Applies to the tree permit rule in the Nevada City Sphere of Influence, outside a Timberland Preserve Zone. § 12.03.250 · code text That are on developed residentially-zoned property; Exempt: trees a licensed forester finds hazardous and an immediate danger to health and property. Applies: Applies to the tree permit rule in the Nevada City Sphere of Influence, outside a Timberland Preserve Zone. § 12.03.250 · code text That have been identified by a licensed forester as being in a hazardous condition presenting an immediate danger to health and property; Exempt: trunks under 10 inches in diameter, measured 4.5 feet above grade. Applies: Only if under 20% of trees over 8 inches are removed every 5 years; Nevada City Sphere of Influence, outside a Timberland Preserve Zone. § 12.03.250 · code text Where the trunks measure less than ten (10") inches in diameter, measured four and one-half (4.5') feet above grade and where less than twenty percent (20%) of the trees over eight (8") inches in diameter are proposed to be removed every five (5) years;
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit from the Planning Director is required. Applies: Nevada City Sphere of Influence, outside Timberland Preserve Zones; allowed for dead, diseased, crowded, or interfering trees, blocked improvements or solar access, or expert-supported reasons. § 12.03.250 · code text No person, firm or corporation shall remove or cause to be removed any tree located outside a Timberland Preserve Zone (TPZ) and within the Nevada City Sphere of Influence as adopted by the Local Agency Formation Commission without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the Planning Director

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Frequently asked questions

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

Nevada County's code: Yes, a tree removal permit from the Planning Director is required. (Nevada City Sphere of Influence, outside Timberland Preserve Zones; allowed for dead, diseased, crowded, or interfering trees, blocked improvements or solar access, or expert-supported reasons.) (§ 12.03.250); Exempt: trees approved for removal in a Use Permit, Development Permit or Subdivision. (Applies to the tree permit rule in the Nevada City Sphere of Influence, outside a Timberland Preserve Zone.) (§ 12.03.250).

Tree removal in Nevada County

What Nevada County's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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