Arborist Report for a Pleasant Hill Tree Permit
Pleasant Hill requires an arborist report with every private-tree removal application. We write reports to Pleasant Hill's checklist, measured as PHMC Ch. 18.100 specifies.
What Pleasant Hill requires
Required. Every tree removal permit application (PHMC 18.100.030.D). Exception: for a Zoning Administrator determination that a tree is dead (no permit, no fee), an arborist report is only required 'if deemed necessary' (18.100.040.F.1). Emergency hazardous-tree removal is exempt from a prior permit but a permit must be submitted within five days (18.100.040.C). Discretionary development with protected-tree removal also requires a tree preservation and replacement plan with an arborist report (18.100.050). Third-party peer review by a certified arborist/BCMA/RCA may be required at applicant cost (18.100.030.F).
Who may write it: Code: 'certified arborist' (18.100.030.D). Submittal-requirements sheet is broader: 'an independent report by a certified arborist, licensed landscape architect or other professional approved by the Zoning Administrator'. Peer review: certified arborist, board certified master arborist, or registered consulting arborist.. none found; code and submittal sheet do not reference a city list
“Arborist Report Required. Any application for a tree removal permit shall include a letter report prepared by a certified arborist addressing the health/condition of the tree, the rationale for removal, the feasibility of any alternatives to removal, and any recommendations for replacement trees.” municipal code
The rule the report has to address
| Protected trees | Native oak/indigenous trees: 9"+ dia. Non-native trees (EXCLUDING eucalyptus and palms): 18"+ dia. Heritage program: enrolled native/indigenous trees >=16" eligible (no removal except hazard/disease) |
|---|---|
| Size threshold | 9" (natives) / 18" (non-natives), diameter at 54" (DBH) |
| Dead or hazardous trees | Hazardous-tree emergency removal is exempt from the prior-permit requirement (PHMC 18.100.040(C)): notify the City Manager and file the permit application within five days after removal. Non-emergency dead or diseased trees: apply first; arborist report required; Zoning Administrator decides. |
| Permit fee | Tree Removal Permits $166 ($213 per hour if more than five trees); Cost Recovery Agreement required if more than five trees; Appeal to City Council $464, to Board/Commission $398. Input had no dollar figure ('Per fee schedule'). Note: fee schedule still cites 'PHMC 18.50.110' (pre-recodification section). |
| Penalty for removal without a permit | Civil penalty <=$1,000 per tree or replacement value of each tree (18.100.090(A)) + replacement: native removals >=two 15-gal on site; non-native >=one 15-gal (18.100) |
| Department | Planning Division (925) 671-5209 (phillca.gov) |
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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill comments are $350 per round unless the proposal includes one. Fees are confirmed in writing before the visit.
Full city rules: Tree permits in Pleasant Hill. Not sure the tree is protected? Run the permit checker.
Request a Pleasant Hill arborist report
Questions about Pleasant Hill reports
Does Pleasant Hill accept a report from any arborist?
Code: 'certified arborist' (18.100.030.D). Submittal-requirements sheet is broader: 'an independent report by a certified arborist, licensed landscape architect or other professional approved by the Zoning Administrator'. Peer review: certified arborist, board certified master arborist, or registered consulting arborist. none found; code and submittal sheet do not reference a city list
What if my tree is dead or dangerous?
Hazardous-tree emergency removal is exempt from the prior-permit requirement (PHMC 18.100.040(C)): notify the City Manager and file the permit application within five days after removal. Non-emergency dead or diseased trees: apply first; arborist report required; Zoning Administrator decides.
How much is the Pleasant Hill permit itself?
Tree Removal Permits $166 ($213 per hour if more than five trees); Cost Recovery Agreement required if more than five trees; Appeal to City Council $464, to Board/Commission $398. Input had no dollar figure ('Per fee schedule'). Note: fee schedule still cites 'PHMC 18.50.110' (pre-recodification section). The report fee is separate.