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.

Lafayette Tree Removal Permit, California:

• Lafayette is a city in Contra Costa County. Lafayette tree removal permits are managed by the city’s planning department.
• You can visit the City of Lafayette’s official website to find information on tree removal permits and the application process. Here’s their website: City of Lafayette Planning Department

A tree permit is required if you are removing, destroying, or excessively pruning a protected tree on public or private property. Below is a general list of what qualifies as a protected tree. Please review a complete list of these triggers to determine if your project requires a tree permit.

Protected Trees on a Developed Private Property:

• A tree with a trunk diameter of 12″ or more, of an Indigenous species (such as an oak, bay, buckeye or madrone), and on a developed property. For multi-trunk trees, the diameter is determined by measuring all the trunks, then adding the diameter of the largest trunk to one-half the diameter of each additional trunk

Protected Trees on an Undeveloped Property

• A tree of a native or native riparian species, as defined, with a diameter of 6″ or more, and a tree of any other species with a diameter of 12″ or more, and on an undeveloped property. For multi-trunk trees, the diameter is determined by measuring all the trunks, then adding the diameter of the largest trunk to one-half the diameter of each additional trunk.

Riparian Trees on a Developed or Undeveloped Property

• Riparian Trees: A tree located within 30′ of the top of the creek bank with a trunk diameter of 6″ or more, or one component trunk of a multi-trunked tree with a diameter of 4″ or more, and of a native riparian species (such as a maple, boxelder, alder, walnut, cottonwood, willow, oak, bay, buckeye, or elderberry).

A tree permit is not required to remove the following (but staff recommends photo documenting the tree and its conditions prior to removal):

• Trees that are not protected (do not meet any of the standards above).
• Any tree with a trunk located within five feet of an existing building or attached structure (e.g., deck), measured from the closest point of the trunk at standard height (4.5 feet above natural grade) to the closest point of the building or attached structure.
• Pruning of a protected tree, provided it is performed under the supervision of a certified arborist, removes less than one-fourth (25%) of the functioning leaf, stem, or root area, and minimizes the negative effects on the tree.
• Extensive pruning of a tree to maintain a distance of 10 feet in all directions from an existing building, including 10 feet above the roof of the building and 10 feet from any outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. Such pruning may result in removal of more than 25 percent of the functioning leaf, stem or root area.
• Any excluded species, unless the tree in question was shown on an approved development application prior to November 25, 2024. Excluded species include the following:
  • acacia (Acacia spp.),
  • arborvitae (Thuja spp.),
  • bald cypress (Taxodium distichum),
  • cypress (Cupressus spp.),
  • dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides),
  • Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii),
  • eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.),
  • false cypress (Chamaecyparis spp.) – except dwarf, hemlock (Tsuga spp.),
  • Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica),
  • palms (entire palm family),
  • pepper tree (Schinus spp.),
  • pine (Pinus spp.) – except dwarf mugo (Pinus mugo),
  • red shanks (Adenostama sparsifolium),
  • spruce (Picea spp.),
  • tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima),
  • yew (Taxus spp.) – except dwarf
• To remove a dead or dying tree, a Tree Permit IS required, along with an arborist report describing the cause of death/decay. No fee is charged, and no replacement trees are required.

How to apply for a tree removal permit:

Submittal Requirements:

• Application form – page 9 in the tree permit application packet.
• Narrative – a letter with a response for either category 1 or category 2, additional requirements.
• Arborist Report– An official report by a certified arborist may be required to assess the tree’s health or to justify its removal (e.g., if it is hazardous).
• 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. 
• Checklist completed and signed, acknowledging required items are included. Page 3-5 of the packet.
• Agreement to pay for services, completed and signed off. Page 11 of the packet.
• Permit fees: The planner will send you a payment link once the application is received. 

A tree permit application packet must be submitted to the Planning & Building Department for review; this may be done by completing the packet and emailing it to planner@lovelafayette.org. A processing fee must accompany the tree permit application; this fee covers staff time to evaluate the request, which may include a site visit.  The planner will send a link to pay online, or you can mail a check payable to City of Lafayette.

Click here for the current processing fees. 

For more information, please call the City of Lafayette Planning & Building Department at (925) 284-1976.