Arborist Report for a Mill Valley Tree Permit
Mill Valley requires an arborist report with every private-tree removal application. We write reports to Mill Valley's checklist, measured as MVMC Ch. 20.67 specifies.
What Mill Valley requires
Required. Current Planning Department 'Supplemental Application for Tree Removal Permit' lists an Arborist Report as Application Requirement #3 for every private-property tree removal permit. The code itself is narrower: MVMC 20.67.040 mandates a certified-arborist tree report only when the removal reason is (a) public health/safety due to the tree's death or disease, or (b) to enhance the health of the subject or adjacent trees; 20.67.090 adds 'Prior to making a determination on a tree removal permit, the City may require a tree report.' City may peer-review the applicant's report via its consultant (Urban Forestry Associates) at applicant cost ($580/tree).
Who may write it: ISA Certified Arborist, 'independent of the City's arborist consultant (Urban Forestry Associates)' (application form). Code 20.67.040: 'certified arborist'. Code definition of 'Tree Report'/'Arborist Report' (20.67.020) describes a report by a certified arborist selected and retained by the City but paid by the applicant.. Code 20.67.250(A)(6) directs the Planning Department to maintain a list of 'qualified tree care professionals' who have signed affidavits (this is a contractor list for liability purposes, not an approved arborist-report author list); no list found linked on the Tree Removal or Forms pages.
“Arborist Report. An arborist report prepared by and signed by an ISA certified arborist explaining the condition of the tree(s), reasons for removal, and any proposed tree protection measures, if applicable.” city application form
The rule the report has to address
| Protected trees | Heritage (4 species by circumference): tanbark oak 65"; oak (Quercus) 75"; madrone 75"; coast redwood 95" (+ Council-designated). Non-heritage triggers: 4+ trees >19" circ (~6") removed per 12 months on developed parcels; any tree >12.5" circ (~4") on vacant parcels; removal includes >1/3 foliage in 12 months |
|---|---|
| Size threshold | Heritage: 65-95" circumference by species, at 4.5 ft |
| Dead or hazardous trees | Arborist report required when removal reason is death/disease/health (20.67.040); heritage removals need noticed Zoning Administrator public hearing; city-published processing 'up to 30 days' |
| Permit fee | Tree Removal: Heritage Tree - Regular $1,401 per tree; Heritage Tree - Diseased (e.g., sudden oak death) $119 per tree; Non-Heritage Tree Removal $119 per tree; Peer Review (Arborist Report) $580 per tree; Planning hourly rate $185. No Southern Marin Fire District fee on tree permits (N/A). Input said 'amount unverified'. |
| Penalty for removal without a permit | Minimum $1,000/tree (non-heritage) / $5,000/tree (heritage) or replacement value whichever GREATER, doubled for repeat within 24 months (20.67.250); heritage replacement: 3 trees per 6" of diameter (min 24" box, Marin native, 60 days); illegal non-heritage: 3:1 |
| Department | Planning & Building (415) 388-4033; public trees: Public Works Parks (12.04.040) |
What the report contains
Written report (PDF) with species and measurements taken as the city's code requires, health and structural findings, photographs, risk rating where relevant, and recommendations that state the justification the city needs to see. For Mill Valley that means measurements taken in circumference at 54″ above grade, the species identified against the city's protected list, the condition and structural findings, and the removal justification the code names, with replacement proposed as the code requires.
Price and turnaround
$750 to $1,250 for one to three trees (site visit, report with the city's required findings, replacement plan); multi-parcel and development reports from $1,650; responses to city comments $350 per round. Reports are delivered 7 to 10 business days after the site visit; responses to Mill Valley comments are $350 per round unless the proposal includes one. Fees are confirmed in writing before the visit.
Full city rules: Tree permits in Mill Valley. Not sure the tree is protected? Run the permit checker.
Request a Mill Valley arborist report
Questions about Mill Valley reports
Does Mill Valley accept a report from any arborist?
ISA Certified Arborist, 'independent of the City's arborist consultant (Urban Forestry Associates)' (application form). Code 20.67.040: 'certified arborist'. Code definition of 'Tree Report'/'Arborist Report' (20.67.020) describes a report by a certified arborist selected and retained by the City but paid by the applicant. Code 20.67.250(A)(6) directs the Planning Department to maintain a list of 'qualified tree care professionals' who have signed affidavits (this is a contractor list for liability purposes, not an approved arborist-report author list); no list found linked on the Tree Removal or Forms pages.
What if my tree is dead or dangerous?
Arborist report required when removal reason is death/disease/health (20.67.040); heritage removals need noticed Zoning Administrator public hearing; city-published processing 'up to 30 days'
How much is the Mill Valley permit itself?
Tree Removal: Heritage Tree - Regular $1,401 per tree; Heritage Tree - Diseased (e.g., sudden oak death) $119 per tree; Non-Heritage Tree Removal $119 per tree; Peer Review (Arborist Report) $580 per tree; Planning hourly rate $185. No Southern Marin Fire District fee on tree permits (N/A). Input said 'amount unverified'. The report fee is separate.