Arborist Report for a Orinda Tree Permit
Orinda requires an arborist report with every private-tree removal application. We write reports to Orinda's checklist, measured as OMC Ch. 17.21 specifies.
What Orinda requires
Required. City application form and July 2026 Tree Ordinance Handout list an Arborist Report as a submittal requirement for every Tree Removal Permit (both Type I standalone and Type II development-associated). Code text itself is softer: OMC 17.21.4.B says the application 'shall contain other supplemental information as may be necessary ... such as the written recommendation of a professional arborist', and 17.21.4.D decision factors reference 'evidence from a certified arborist' and 'as determined by an arborist report'. Emergency Tree Removal Letter (permit exemption, no fee) also requires a certified arborist determination of imminent danger (city FAQ). Development near protected trees: arborist report/recommendation required when grading or construction is within 10 ft of a protected tree's dripline (handout).
Who may write it: 'certified arborist' (application form); code defines 'Professional arborist' as ISA Certified Arborist or a person the Director determines is equally qualified (OMC 17.21.2). none found on Planning Department page, handout, or application
“2. Arborist Report. A written recommendation from a certified arborist that discusses the species, size, location, and health of the tree(s) proposed for removal.” city application form
The rule the report has to address
| Protected trees | Developed parcels: 7 native oak species (valley, coast live, black, white/Garry, canyon, blue, interior live) >=12" dia. Vacant/undeveloped or downtown districts: ANY tree >=6" (unless Disallowed Plant List). Native riparian: 4" single (or multi-trunk combined cross-section = 4" stem). Restitution & condition-of-approval trees any size |
|---|---|
| Size threshold | 12" (oaks, developed) / 6" (any, vacant/downtown) / 4" (riparian), at 4.5 ft |
| Dead or hazardous trees | Exceptions incl. hazardous/dangerous condition requiring immediate action; emergency removals when ordered by fire official, PW Director, Parks Director or City Manager; insurance-required removals EXEMPT from permit entirely (Ord. 25-03, 5/6/2025: 17.21.3.B.7) |
| Permit fee | Tree Removal Permit: First Tree (including Heritage Tree) $197.00; Each Additional Tree $63.00; Replacement with tree removal permit per OMC 17.21.5.F.2 $125.00/tree; Restitution for trees removed in violation $1,179.00/tree; marked '+' = 10% General Plan Update surcharge plus Permit Technology Fee surcharge apply. (Application form PDF, dated 07/2023 page, still shows the older $194/$62 + 13% surcharge.) Emergency Tree Removal Letter: no fee. |
| Penalty for removal without a permit | Title 19: infractions $100/$250/$500; misdemeanor <=$1,000/6 mo; admin civil penalties (default $1,000/violation, each day separate); restitution: TWO 24"-box trees per 6" of removed trunk diameter or in-lieu $1,179/tree (17.21.8-.9) |
| Department | Planning Department (925) 253-4210 |
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 Orinda that means measurements taken in diameter 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 Orinda comments are $350 per round unless the proposal includes one. Fees are confirmed in writing before the visit.
Full city rules: Tree permits in Orinda. Not sure the tree is protected? Run the permit checker.
Request a Orinda arborist report
Questions about Orinda reports
Does Orinda accept a report from any arborist?
'certified arborist' (application form); code defines 'Professional arborist' as ISA Certified Arborist or a person the Director determines is equally qualified (OMC 17.21.2) none found on Planning Department page, handout, or application
What if my tree is dead or dangerous?
Exceptions incl. hazardous/dangerous condition requiring immediate action; emergency removals when ordered by fire official, PW Director, Parks Director or City Manager; insurance-required removals EXEMPT from permit entirely (Ord. 25-03, 5/6/2025: 17.21.3.B.7)
How much is the Orinda permit itself?
Tree Removal Permit: First Tree (including Heritage Tree) $197.00; Each Additional Tree $63.00; Replacement with tree removal permit per OMC 17.21.5.F.2 $125.00/tree; Restitution for trees removed in violation $1,179.00/tree; marked '+' = 10% General Plan Update surcharge plus Permit Technology Fee surcharge apply. (Application form PDF, dated 07/2023 page, still shows the older $194/$62 + 13% surcharge.) Emergency Tree Removal Letter: no fee. The report fee is separate.