Tree Removal Permit Process

Alamo is part of the unincorporated Contra Costa County jurisdiction. See Contra Costa County Tree Permit Requirements.

• Alamo is an unincorporated community in Contra Costa County, and Alamo tree removal permits regulations might be handled by the county authorities.
• To obtain information about tree removal permits in the Alamo area, you can contact the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development. Here’s their website: Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/faq.aspx?qid=447
• Tree Checklist: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/61975/Planning-Application-Form-Checklist-Fillable-PDF?bidId=

• Benicia is a city in Solano County, and Benicia tree removal permits are typically managed by the city’s planning department.
• You can visit the official website of the City of Benicia to find specific information about tree removal permits and the application process. Here’s their website: City of Benicia Planning Division https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/trees

Protected Trees: A permit is required to remove the following trees on private property:

• All city property trees over 8 inches in diameter (as measured 48 inches above soil level)
• Street trees over 8 inches in diameter.
• All heritage trees
• All designated protected trees (trees on property for new construction)
• California native trees – The following native species, which have a trunk diameter of 8 inches (25 inch circumference) are protected:
  • Blue oak (Quercus douglasii)
  • Live oak (Quercus agrifolia)
  • Valley/white oak (Quercus lobata)
  • Willow (Salix)
  • Buckeye (Aesculus californica)
  • Box elder (Acer negundo)
  • California Bay (Umbellularia californica)
  • Black walnut (Juglans hindsi)
• All other trees over 12 inches in diameter; fruit trees at 18 inches in diameter

Permit Process:  Click here for the tree permit application.  Please note that all tree permits must be processed at the Parks and Community Services Department. Permit applications may not be mailed. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call (707) 746-4285.

Please note there is also a permit required to trim the following types of trees:

• Street trees
• Heritage trees (click here for more info)
• Designated protected trees

*A permit is not required to trim branches on said trees that are less than 3 inches in diameter

Blackhawk is part of the unincorporated Contra Costa County jurisdiction. See Contra Costa County Tree Permit Requirements.

• Clayton is a city in Contra Costa County, and Clayton tree removal permits are typically managed by the city’s planning department.
• You can visit the official website of the City of Clayton to find specific information about tree removal permits and the application process. Here’s their website: City of Clayton Planning Department https://claytonca.gov/community-development/planning/
• Tree Removal Application: https://claytonca.gov/fc/community-development/planning/applications-and-fees/TreeRemovalPermit_Application.pdf

Protected Trees:

• Any tree with a single trunk or multiple trunks with cumulative diameter of 6″ or greater at 54″ above grade require a permit for removal on private or public property.

Permit Process: Click here for the tree permit application or for more information call the Community Development Department at 925-673-7300.

• Concord is a city in Contra Costa County, and Concord tree removal permits are typically managed by the city’s planning department.
• You can visit the official website of the City of Concord to find specific information about tree removal permits and the application process. Here’s their website: City of Concord Planning Division https://www.cityofconcord.org/354/Trees
• Form: https://cityofconcord.org/FormCenter/Public-Works-16/Protected-Tree-Removal-Permit-Applicatio-70

Protected Trees

• Any of the following listed native trees with a 12” DBH  single trunk, or 12’ DBH sum of all stems on multiple trunk  tree, measured at 54”  above the ground:
  • Blue Oak
  • Valley Oak
  • Coast Live Oak
  • California Bay
  • California Buckeye
  • California Sycamore
• Other trees with at least 24” DBH (single trunk) or a multi-stemmed tree where the sum of all stems are 24” DBH, measured at 54” above the ground.
• A tree 6” DBH single or multi-stemmed that is located within the structural setback of creeks or streams (Creek and Riparian Habitat Protection 122-802).
• Any tree or group of trees which has a relationship to an event of historical significance or is of public interest and which has been designated by action of the Planning Commission as a heritage tree.

The following trees do not require a permit and can be removed no matter the size (unless such tree has been specifically designated a “Heritage Tree” by action of the Planning Commission): Eucalyptus, Acacia, Monterey Pine, Palm, and Privet.

Permit Process:  Click here to fill out the City of Concord’s application for a Protected Tree Removal Permit. Click here for information about permit requirements. Please contact the Public Works-Maintenance Services Parks Division at (925) 671-3444 with any questions or visit their “Trees” page for great information on tree care and protected trees.

Here is what the County states about removing trees:

“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.”

Below is the County’s Ordinance as best we understand it:

Protected Trees (two sections):

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 and is 6.5 inches in diameters measured 4 ½ from ground level and is included in the following list of indigenous trees:

Section 2

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

Permit Process: For the Planning Application please see the “General” Planning application and submit it via their ePermits Portal.  Department of Conservation and Development at 925-655-2700 with any questions.   You will need a site map and an Arborist Report.    We can provide that report at an upfront cost that can later be deducted from the cost of the removal.

Crockett is part of the unincorporated Contra Costa County jurisdiction. See Contra Costa County Tree Permit Requirements.

• Crockett is an unincorporated community in Contra Costa County, and Crocket tree removal permit regulations might be handled by the county authorities.
• To obtain information about tree removal permits in the Crockett area, you can contact the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development. Here’s their website: Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4725/Code-Enforcement

• Danville is a town in Contra Costa County, and Danville tree removal permits are typically managed by the town’s planning department.
• You can visit the official website of the Town of Danville to find specific information about tree removal permits and the application process. https://www.danville.ca.gov/
• Application: https://www.danville.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1010/Tree-Removal-Requirements-PDF

Protected Trees:

•  Any single trunked tree, regardless of species, which has a trunk diameter of 36 inches or greater, measured 4-1/2 feet above natural grade.
• A tree planted on public property in memory of or commemoration of an individual or individuals.
•  Any of the following native trees having a single trunk or main stem 10 inches or greater in diameter or multiple trunk trees with tree trunks totaling 20 inches in diameter, measured 4-1/2 feet above natural grade:
  • Blue Oak (Quercus Doulgassi)
  • California Bay (Umbellularia California)
  • California Black Oak (Quercus Kelloggi)
  • California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica)
  • California Sycamore (Platanus Racemosa)
  • Canyon Live Oak (Quercus Chrysol)
  • Coast Live Oak (Quercus Agrfolia)
  • Interior Live Oak (Quercus Wislizenii)
  • Madrone (Arbutus Menziesii)
  • London Plane Tree (Plantanus Acerifolia)
  • Valley Oak (Quercus Lobata)
  • White Alder (Alnus Rhombifolia)

Permit Process: Click to download the tree permit application. For detailed information on the permit process click here.
If you have any questions on the process please call the town’s Planning Division at (925) 314-3310.

Please note: The permit application may require a letter from a Certified Arborist- we can provide this service for you if the city requires it.

• Diablo is an unincorporated community in Contra Costa County, California. Diablo Tree removal Permit regulations might be handled by the county authorities.
• To obtain information about tree removal permits in the Diablo area, you can contact the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development. Here’s their website: Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/faq.aspx?qid=447

In progress

• Fairfield is a city in Solano County, and Fairfield tree removal permits are typically managed by the city’s planning department.
• You can visit the official website of the City of Fairfield to find specific information about tree removal permits and the application process. Here’s their website: City of Fairfield Planning Division https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=33004

• Hercules is a city in Contra Costa County, and Hercules tree removal permits are typically managed by the city’s planning department.
• You can visit the official website of the City of Hercules to find specific information about tree removal permits and the application process. Here’s their website: City of Hercules Planning Department https://www.herculesca.gov/government/engineering-public-works/lighting-landscaping/tree-trimming

• Lafayette tree removal permits are typically managed by the city’s planning department.
• You can visit the official website of the City of Lafayette to find specific information about tree removal permits and the application process. Here’s their website: City of Lafayette Planning Department https://www.lovelafayette.org/city-hall/city-departments/planning-building/do-i-need-a/tree-permit

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.

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 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):

• 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

Permit Process: Click here for their “Tree Permit Page” the tree permit application. Click here for the current processing fees. For more information please call the City of Lafayette Planning & Building Department at (925) 284-1976.

• Martinez, being a city in Contra Costa County, may have its own regulations regarding Martinez tree removal permits.
• For information on tree removal permits in Martinez, you can visit the city’s official website or contact the Martinez Planning Division. Here’s their website: Martinez Planning Division https://www.cityofmartinez.org/departments/planning/development-projects
• Form: https://www.cityofmartinez.org/home/showpublisheddocument/2111/637816482082570000

Protected Trees: All oak trees any indigenous trees measuring 12 inches or more in diameter, measured four and one-half feet from gra​de on PRIVATE property.

• Oak and Indigenous trees include, but are not limited to:
  • California or Coast Live Oak
  • Blue Oak
  • California Black Oak
  • Valley Oak
  • Coast Redwood
  • White Alder
  • Red Alder
  • Bigleaf Maple
  • California Buckeye
  • Madrone
  • California Bay or Laurel
  • California Black Walnut
  • California Sycamore
  • Coast Red Elderberry
• All trees on PUBLIC or UNDEVEOPED property that are over 24″ in diameter or any multi-stemmed tree where the sum of the individual trunks measure 24 inches or more in diameter measured four and one-half feet from grade (see ordinance here for more)

Permit Process: Click here for the tree removal permit application. Please note that the tree removal permit costs $125. If you have any questions, please contact Community & Economic Development at (925) 372-3515.

• Moraga is another town in Contra Costa County. Moraga tree removal permits are likely managed by the town’s planning department.
• To find information about tree removal permits in Moraga, you can visit the official website of the Town of Moraga or contact the Moraga Planning Department. Here’s their website: Town of Moraga Planning Department https://www.moraga.ca.us/454/Application-Forms
• https://www.moraga.ca.us/faq.aspx?TID=22

Protected Trees: A permit is required to cut down any tree having a trunk diameter of 5″ or more measured 3′ above the natural grade or a tree having multiple trunks with a total perimeter of 40″ or more and is a:

• Native tree (most common being Bay, Oak, Redwood, Toyon, or Knobcone Pine Tree; see longer list here)
• Orchard tree (fruit and nut trees planted for commercial agricultural purposes)
• Tree of historic significance (trees that have historic value related to the heritage of the Town and designated by action of the Town Council)

Exemptions to tree removal permit requirements include:

• The removal of a general tree (non protected – see above) located on residentially zoned property;
• The removal of a tree located on a residentially zoned property that is located 5′ or closer to a structure (NOTE: Fences do NOT qualify as “structures”)
• The removal of a tree located within the public right-of-way and deemed to be hazardous by the Public Works Superintendent are exempt from needing a permit.

Permit Process: Click here for a tree removal permit application. For more information please call the Planning Department at 925-888-7040.

Municipal Code Chapter 12.12

• Orinda, a city in Contra Costa County, may have its own regulations for Orinda tree removal permits.
• For information on tree removal permits in Orinda, you can visit the city’s official website or contact the Orinda Planning Department. Here’s their website: City of Orinda Planning Department https://www.cityoforinda.org/DocumentCenter/View/3475/Tree-Ordinance-Handout?bidId=
• Application: https://www.cityoforinda.org/DocumentCenter/View/1000/Tree-Removal-Application?bidId=

Protected Trees:

• An oak tree on a developed parcel which has a trunk diameter equal to or greater than twelve (12) inches at 4.5 feet above ground level
• A tree of any size designated to be protected and preserved on an approved development plan or as a condition of approval of a tentative map, a tentative parcel map, or other development approval or land use entitlement or permit issued by the city
• A native riparian tree with a trunk diameter of four inches at 4.5 feet above ground level or a multi-trunk native riparian tree with a cross-sectional area of all trunks equal to a cross-section area of a single stem of four inches at 4.5 feet above ground level
• A tree on a vacant or undeveloped parcel with a trunk diameter equal to or greater than six (6) inches at 4.5 feet above ground level, unless it is a tree identified on the Disallowed Plant List

Permit Process: Please click here for the tree removal permit application and contact the City of Orinda’s Planning Department at (925) 253-4210 for more information.

Pacheco is part of the unincorporated Contra Costa County jurisdiction. See Contra Costa County Tree Permit Requirements.

• Pacheco is an unincorporated community in Contra Costa County, and Pacheco tree removal permit regulations might be handled by the county authorities.
• To obtain information about tree removal permits in the Pacheco area, you can contact the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development. Here’s their website: Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4725/Code-Enforcement

• Pinole tree removal permits are typically managed by the city’s planning department.
• You can visit the official website of the City of Pinole to find specific information about tree removal permits and the application process. Here’s their website: City of Pinole Planning Department https://www.ci.pinole.ca.us/city_government/planning/applications/tree_removal_permit

• Pleasant Hill is a city in Contra Costa County, and Pleasant Hill tree removal permits are typically managed by the city’s planning department.
• You can visit the official website of the City of Pleasant Hill to find specific information about tree removal permits and the application process. Here’s their website: City of Pleasant Hill Planning Department https://www.pleasanthillca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9745/Tree-Removal-Permit?bidId=

Protected trees:

• Any native oak tree measuring 9 inches or larger in diameter measured at 54 inches above the ground.
• Any indigenous tree measuring 9 inches or larger in diameter measured at 54 inches above the ground. Indigenous trees include but are not limited to:
  • Bigleaf Maple
  • California Bay or Laurel
  • California Black Walnut
  • California Buckeye
  • California Sycamore
  • Elderberry
  • Madrone
  • Red Alder
• A non-native tree (with the exception of Eucalyptus) measuring 18 inches in diameter measured at 54 inches above the ground.
• Any tree shown to be preserved on an approved tentative map, development or site plan or required to be retained as a condition of
  approval or environmental mitigation measure.
• Any tree required to be planted as a replacement for an unlawfully removed tree.
• Any tree designated as a “heritage tree.”

Permit Process: Click here for the Tree Removal Permit Application. If you have any questions please call the Planning Department at 925-671-5209.

Protected Trees:

Native species

• Any single-trunked tree with a minimum trunk circumference of 37” measured 4.5’ above ground level.
• Any multi-trunked tree with a minimum circumference of 37” measured below the split at the narrowest point below the main attachment or at the base if applicable.
• The following tree species shall be considered native: Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum), Box Elder (Acer negundo), California Buckeye (Aesculus californica), California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Canyon Oak (Quercus chrysolepis), Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizenii), Blue Oak (Quercus douglassii), California Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii), Valley Oak (Quercus lobata), California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica), California Black Walnut (Juglans hindsii), Tan Oak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus)

Non-native species (any species not listed above)

• Any single-trunked tree with a minimum trunk circumference of 55” measured 4.5’ above ground level.
• Any multi-trunked tree with a minimum circumference of 55” measured below the split at the narrowest point below the main attachment or at the base if applicable.

Heritage Tree

A tree that is considered irreplaceable. Designated by the Landscape Architecture Section. Any pruning of Heritage Trees shall be done in consultation with the City’s arborist.

Note that city ordinance specifies that “All pruning of Protected Trees shall be performed under the supervision of an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist, in accordance with pruning guidelines, established by the current versions of the ISA Best Management Practices, Tree Pruning and American National Standards Institute ( ANSI) A300 – Part 1 Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Management Standard Practices, Pruning, and any special conditions as determined by the Director.”

Permit Process:  You can find the tree removal permit here. Please note that a report from one of the city’s approved list of Certified Arborist (which we are on) is required if you wish to remove 5 or more trees on the same permit.

For more information regarding the Heritage Tree Preservation Ordinance call the City’s Landscape Architect Assistant/Arborist at (925) 931-5514 or visit their Landscape Architecture Division website here. You can also view the ordnance here. For more information regarding the Heritage Tree Preservation Ordinance call the City’s Landscape Architect Assistant/Arborist at (925) 931-5514.

Port Costa is part of the unincorporated Contra Costa County jurisdiction. See Contra Costa County Tree Permit Requirements.

• Rodeo is an unincorporated community in Contra Costa County, and Rodeo tree removal permit process regulations might be handled by the county authorities.
• To obtain information about tree removal permits in the Rodeo area, you can contact the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development. Here’s their website: Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4725/Code-Enforcement

• San Ramon is a city in Contra Costa County, and San Ramon tree removal permits are typically managed by the city’s planning department.
• You can visit the official website of the City of San Ramon to find specific information about tree removal permits and the application process. Here’s their website: City of San Ramon Planning Division https://www.sanramon.ca.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=10826130&pageId=11594651

Protected Trees:

• If your property is a single family residence that cannot be further subdivided, you do not need a tree removal permit to remove a tree on your property EXCEPT if you wish to remove a native oak tree 6 inches in diameter measured 54 inches above the ground.
• If a non-oak tree, not including a willow, fruit tree, eucalyptus, alder, cottonwood, or pine tree, is greater than 8 inches in diameter measured 54 inches above the ground and is on a commercial property or on a property owned by a Home Owner’s Association then a tree removal permit is required.

Permit Process: Click here for the tree removal application.

Please contact the City’s Planning Department at (925) 973-2560 with questions. Submit the completed application and the required submittal items to the Planning Services Division at 2401 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583. Review of the tree removal permit may take 2 weeks to process. Please note that the cost is $200 for a residential property, $350 for a non-residential, administrative property, and $1,500 for a non-residential property that requires an architectural review meeting.

• Vallejo is a city in Solano County, and Vallejo tree removal permits are typically managed by the city’s planning department.
• You can visit the official website of the City of Vallejo to find specific information about tree removal permits and the application process. Here’s their website: City of Vallejo Planning Division https://www.cityofvallejo.net/our_city/departments_divisions/public_works_department/maintenance_division/facilities_grounds/tree_services

Per the City of Vallejo’s Public Works Department, a permit is not required to trim or remove trees on private property that are NOT associated with a building project (click here for more information about protected trees associated with a building permit). However, they do have standards for tree trimming and planting, per their tree and landscape ordinance. You can view more information here.

• Walnut Creek, being a city in Contra Costa County, may have its own regulations regarding Walnut Creek’s tree removal permits.
• For information on tree removal permits in Walnut Creek, you can visit the city’s official website or contact the Walnut Creek Planning Division. Here’s their website: City of Walnut Creek Planning Division https://www.walnutcreekca.gov/government/public-works/engineering-services/tree-removal-permit

Protected Trees:

• All trees (dead or alive, public or private) located within City limits. Trees must be 9 inches in diameter or 28 inches in circumference, or larger, when measured at 4 1/2 feet above natural grade. If a tree has multiple trunks, there must be an aggregate of 40 inches in circumference of all trunks when measured at 4 1/2 feet about natural grade.

Permit Process: Click here for the tree removal permit application and here for more information on the permit process. Please contact the City at 925-943-5834 with any questions about tree removal. Please note there is a flat fee of $85-$100 for the permit.