Please note that regulations and permit processes may vary by city and county. We recommend consulting directly with the appropriate planning department or visiting the city’s or county’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

This page is for informational purposes only. Quality Tree Care is not responsible for any misunderstandings, omissions, or changes in local regulations or permitting requirements.

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Contra Costa County has jurisdiction over unincorporated communities for the removal of protected trees.

Unincorporated communities in our service area, not limited to, are Alamo, Blackhawk, Crockett, Diablo, Port Costa, Rodeo, Saranap, and some unincorporated areas of Danville, Martinez, and Walnut Creek.

To find out if your address is in an unincorporated area of Contra Costa County, use the county’s office parcel map (CCMAP) tool, check your property tax bill, or call the Planning Department (925) 655-2700 and provide them with your address or APN to confirm your jurisdiction.

Protected Trees (two sections):

Do I need a permit to cut down or work within the dripline of a tree? (ref FAQ here)

Trees that meet certain criteria may be protected by ordinance within unincorporated Contra Costa County. A permit is required to cut down or work within the dripline of a protected tree. Prior to removing any tree or doing work within the dripline of a tree, you are advised to contact the Planning Division at 925-655-2700 to determine if you will need a permit.

Section 1

Trees on any property within the unincorporated area of the County that meet the following description:

•  Any tree required to be planted as a replacement for an unlawfully removed tree
•  Any tree shown to be preserved on an approved tentative map, development, or site plan
•  Any tree designated as Heritage
•  Any Tree required to be retained as a condition of approval
•  Any tree that is part of a riparian, foothill woodland, or oak savanna area
•  Any tree part of a stand of four or more trees that is 6.5 inches in diameter, measured
  4 ½ feet from ground level and is included in the following list of indigenous trees:

Section 2

Or any tree measuring 6 ½ inches in diameter measured 4 ½ feet from ground level, or any multi-stemmed tree with the sum of the circumferences measuring 40 inches or larger, measured 4 ½ feet from ground level, or any significant grouping of trees (groves of four or more trees) that is located on any of the properties specified below

•  Any developed property within any commercial, professional office, or industrial district
•  Any undeveloped property within any district or private property that can be subdivided.
•  Any area designated on the general plan for recreational purposes or open space;
•  Any area designated in the county general plan open space element as visually significant riparian or ridge line vegetation, and where the tree is adjacent to or part of a riparian foothill woodland or oak savanna area. (Ords. 94-59, 94-22)

Click here for the Contra Costa County tree ordinance update.

How to apply for a tree removal permit:

Before you begin, prepare and collect all required documents:

• Click here for the General Application Checklist
• Click here for the Important Notice to Applicants and Owner Authorization form for General Applications.
• Site Plan: Provide a plan showing the location of the tree to be removed and the quantity and species of trees to be planted in exchange for the removal of a protected tree. 
• Arborist Report: an official report by a certified arborist required to assess the tree’s health or to justify its removal (e.g., if it is hazardous).

Once all the documents are gathered, upload them to the Contra Costa County epermits portal under Planning – General Application submittal.

Permit Applications: Apply online via the Contra Costa County ePermits Portal.

Once you are in the ePermits Portal, select the Planning Pre-Screening Application, then the General Application. Click continue and follow the prompts.

For the ePermits Portal Planning Application instructions, click here.

Contact the Department of Conservation and Development at 925-655-2700 with any questions.