Arborist Report for a Novato Tree Permit
Novato requires an arborist report with every private-tree removal application. We write reports to Novato's checklist, measured as NMC Ch. XVII Trees and Shrubs, 17-1 Regulating Alteration or Removal of Trees on Private Property specifies.
What Novato requires
Required. Every tree permit application in practice: the Planning Division's Tree Removal Guide lists 'Arborist Letter - a signed letter from a certified arborist describing the tree's condition, reason for removal, and professional recommendation' among the required supporting materials for every submittal. The code is permissive: 17-1.4(a) 'The director may also require documentation from a licensed tree surgeon, certified arborist, landscape architect or similarly licensed professional as to the health, quality and desirability of the tree or trees in question'. Written professional verification is what lets the Director waive notice and the appeal period for a dying, diseased or damaged hazard tree (17-1.4(e)(1)).
Who may write it: Guide: 'a certified arborist'. Code: 'a licensed tree surgeon, certified arborist, landscape architect or similarly licensed professional' (17-1.4(a), (e)(1)).. None found on the Tree Removal Guide or Planning Division pages.
“Arborist Letter – a signed letter from a certified arborist describing the tree's condition, reason for removal, and professional recommendation.” source
The rule the report has to address
| Protected trees | Any species, native or non-native: 'heritage tree' = major trunk or trunks of 24 inches diameter (75 inches circumference) or more measured 24 inches above existing grade, or a Council-designated tree of special historical association, protected on every parcel; on 'undeveloped parcels' (any lot that can be further subdivided or developed, or has no primary structure) any 'tree' of 6 inches diameter (19 inches circumference) or more at 24 inches above grade also needs a permit. Dead or fallen trees and agency Sudden Oak Death control work are exempt. Pyrophytes (Monterey pine, bishop pine, acacia and eucalyptus species) still need the permit but the Director may skip notice and the appeal period. Native trees and woodlands in development projects are covered by 19.39 (75 percent retention, 3:1 replacement). |
|---|---|
| Size threshold | 24" diameter (75" circumference) any species on any parcel (heritage tree) / 6" diameter (19" circumference) any tree on undeveloped parcels, at 24" above existing grade |
| Dead or hazardous trees | Dead or fallen trees are exempt: 'These provisions do not apply to trees which are dead or fallen or to activities undertaken or authorized by local, state and federal agencies to control sudden death oak syndrome or other similar vectors' (17-1.3). Dying, diseased or substantially damaged trees that imminently threaten health, safety or property, verified in writing by a licensed tree surgeon, certified arborist, landscape architect or similar professional, get the permit immediately without public notice or appeal period (17-1.4(e)(1)). |
| Permit fee | Set in the City's Master Fee Schedule (the Tree Removal Guide says 'Filing fee (see the City's Master Fee Schedule for current rates)'); a Cost Recovery Form is required when removing more than 5 trees. Amount not verified: the Master Fee Schedule and the Tree Removal Informational Handout are served from novato.gov/novato.org 'showdocument' links that return 403 'Access Denied' to scripted fetching and open as a file download in the browser, and the Nov 19, 2024 fee-update staff report (7 pp.) lists no tree line. |
| Penalty for removal without a permit | Violation of Ch. XVII is an infraction punishable as specified in 1-5.1 (17-4.1); citations may be issued by the Community Development Director or designee with police assistance (17-4.2). No appraisal-based penalty or replacement formula for private trees; 19.39.040(G) development projects: replacement not less than 3:1. |
| Department | Community Development Department, Planning Division, 922 Machin Avenue, Novato 94945; (415) 899-8989, planning@novato.gov; tree permits issued Monday-Thursday 9-11 a.m.; applications through the Novato Permits online portal (preferred) or in person; the Community Development Director decides (Planning Commission hearing if of sufficient public concern); appeals to the City Council |
What the report contains
A signed PDF report. It states species and measurements taken the way the city's code requires, health and structural findings, and photographs. Where it matters, it gives a risk rating. The recommendation is written as the justification the city's code names, so staff can approve it without asking for more. For Novato that means measurements taken in diameter at 24″ 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, including the site visit, the findings the city requires and the replacement plan. Multi-parcel and development reports from $1,650. Responses to city comments $350 per round. Permit filing with the report $600. Reports are delivered 7 to 10 business days after the site visit; responses to Novato comments are $350 per round unless the proposal includes one. Fees are confirmed in writing before the visit.
Full city rules: Tree permits in Novato. Not sure the tree is protected? Run the permit checker.
Request a Novato arborist report
Questions about Novato reports
Does Novato accept a report from any arborist?
Guide: 'a certified arborist'. Code: 'a licensed tree surgeon, certified arborist, landscape architect or similarly licensed professional' (17-1.4(a), (e)(1)). None found on the Tree Removal Guide or Planning Division pages.
What if my tree is dead or dangerous?
Dead or fallen trees are exempt: 'These provisions do not apply to trees which are dead or fallen or to activities undertaken or authorized by local, state and federal agencies to control sudden death oak syndrome or other similar vectors' (17-1.3). Dying, diseased or substantially damaged trees that imminently threaten health, safety or property, verified in writing by a licensed tree surgeon, certified arborist, landscape architect or similar professional, get the permit immediately without public notice or appeal period (17-1.4(e)(1)).
How much is the Novato permit itself?
Set in the City's Master Fee Schedule (the Tree Removal Guide says 'Filing fee (see the City's Master Fee Schedule for current rates)'); a Cost Recovery Form is required when removing more than 5 trees. Amount not verified: the Master Fee Schedule and the Tree Removal Informational Handout are served from novato.gov/novato.org 'showdocument' links that return 403 'Access Denied' to scripted fetching and open as a file download in the browser, and the Nov 19, 2024 fee-update staff report (7 pp.) lists no tree line. The report fee is separate.