If You Are Cutting Trees, You Might Need a Permit from CALFIRE
In California, anyone who conducts timber operations on timberland must be licensed as a timber oeprator (LTO) by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) as required by Public Resource Code § 4571 and must obtain a permit to cut that timber from CALFIRE.
If you have land that can be defined as Timberland
AND
If you cut down trees on it to sell, trade, barter, or exchange;
OR
You cut the trees and use the land where the trees were growing for another use (vineyard, house, driveway, etc.),
Then, you have conducted "Timber Operations" and need to comly with the California State Forest Practice Rules.
You may also need to comply with other County or State requirements.
EVEN IF YOU HAVE AN APPROVED BUILDING PERMIT.
Violations of the PRC and/or the Forest Practice Rules are misdemeanors and a CALFIRE Forest Practice Inspector can and have issued citations or referred complaints to the District Attorneys office.
If you are planning a project that might involve Timber Operations, please contact the CALFIRE Resource Management Office in Felton, at (831) 335-6740. The Felton office can also provide information on how to obtain a license, a list of LTO's and or Registered Professional Foresters in addition to information on obtaining the proper CALFIRE permit.
Find more information:
State Forest Practice webpage: Forest Practice | CAL FIRE
Local Unit webpage: Santa Cruz County Fire Department | Santa Cruz Fire