Bay Area Tree Permit Questions, Answered: 362 Questions for 56 Jurisdictions

The report follows the city's own submittal checklist and is signed by an ISA Certified Arborist. Menlo Park accepts only arborists on its approved list and Hillsborough uses a mandatory template; we write to both.

Yes. Every report is based on a site visit with measurements taken at the height the city's code specifies.

Standard turnaround is 7 to 10 business days after the site visit. A 48-hour turnaround is available for most single-tree reports at a surcharge agreed in advance.

Yes. Tree permit filing is $600 when booked with the report ($750 on its own): application, posted notice, inspection and follow-up until the city approves. See the permit filing page.

No. City fees range from nothing (Redwood City, Fremont) to $2,587 (San Jose) and are paid to the city at cost. The city page lists the current fee.

In 21 of the 56 cities a report is required with every application and in 23 more it is required in some cases. If you need one, book both and the filing is $600.

No one can. What you get is an application written to the city's own criteria, filed completely the first time, with the posting and inspection handled so the clock does not reset.

Then the filing is $600. You get the notice and the posting instructions with dates; you post it and send a photo.

A tree-service contractor of your choice. This practice does not sell tree work, so the recommendation is independent.

A risk assessment focuses on failure potential. If you need removal justification, permit paperwork or insurance documentation, the arborist report includes the risk assessment plus those sections.

No arborist can. The assessment states a risk level for a stated time frame and what would reduce it.

Whenever a city permit touches a protected tree's root zone. The trigger is in each city's code; the city page lists it.

Yes. The plan includes a briefing and site visits during the phases that threaten roots: demolition, grading and trenching.

No. We review the work, not the vendor. You keep the quotes you have.

Then the opinion says so and you proceed with confidence. Roughly a third of the quotes we review are reasonable as written.

Yes, using the CTLA method cities and courts recognize. The number depends on species, size, condition and location, so it requires a site visit.

Yes, as an expert witness, billed hourly, with a written report first.

If you are a homeowner in a dispute with a neighbor and want the facts documented first, start at Boundary Tree (boundarytree.com), the same practice's homeowner-facing service: dispute assessment from $850, visit within 7 days. Appraisals, expert reports and testimony for attorneys and insurers are ordered here.

No. Home inspectors do not assess trees. This is the missing piece for properties with mature trees.

Yes. It is written as a neutral condition report.

A risk assessment looks at the trees you point to. An inventory looks at all of them, numbers them, and gives you a plan and a budget. The risk ratings use the same ISA method.

Yes. The spreadsheet lists each tree by tag number with the recommended work and priority, so bids can be compared tree by tree.

No. This practice does not sell or refer tree work, which is why the priorities are independent.

Usually yes. The plan is the document; monitoring is the evidence the city asks for that the plan was followed. Many cities name the inspections in the permit conditions.

You, your contractor and, where the city requires it, the planner on the file. Reports are dated and photographed so a later dispute has a record.

The report documents it and states the mitigation the city's code requires, so the problem is handled before final inspection instead of at it.

Yes. The program updates the inventory each year; without one there is nothing to compare against. The first year is inventory plus plan, later years are the program.

Yes, a 20-minute summary of the report at one board meeting is included; additional meetings are $175 per hour.

No. The report tells the board what to bid out and in what order.

NO self-help: removal requires permit; only the Director may act on written manifest-danger-and-immediate-necessity determination (810A(b)(4), 806); 30-day posted notice for removals (806(b)(3)(B)); landmark removals: Public Works public hearing (Director's decision appealable to Board of Appeals)

Removal/destruction: $10,000 per tree OR replacement value, WHICHEVER GREATER (811(c)(1)); repeat within 1 yr: $20,000 (811(c)(3)); + misdemeanor <=$1,000/6 mo

No published review or decision time. Posting/notice period: 30 days before the removal date, on the tree and by notice to interested organizations and nearby owners/occupants; the application form says the tree 'will be posted for a period up to 30 days'.

Not required. Not required. PWC 806(b)(3)(A) (which 810A(b)(1) applies to private significant trees) only requires application 'on the designated form'; a Public Works arborist inspects. An ISA Certified Arborist written report appears only under 'Further Recommendations' on the application form and department page. Separate rule: a certified-arborist Tree Protection Plan is required for construction near Street/Significant/Landmark Trees (PWC 808(c)(5)).

No special treatment in the ordinance. San Francisco's Public Works Code has no fire provision for significant trees; removal follows the street-tree permit procedure (30-day posted notice) and the Director may order immediate removal only on a written finding of manifest danger and immediate necessity (PWC 810A(b)(4)), with hazard-tree status one of the factors considered (810A(c)(6)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. >12" DBH / >20 ft height / >15 ft canopy (independent prongs), DBH at 4.5 ft (BUF)

Permit required BEFORE removal even for dead/dangerous trees, staff-level approval after Town Arborist inspection; retroactive permits exist only as violation remedy (8.10.070(D))

Removal: 2x appraised value; damage: 1/2 appraised (escalates to 2x if tree dies within 1 yr); + Ch. 1.20 fines (AMC 8.10.070)

No published staff-level decision time. Planning Commission track: the complete packet must be received 19 days before the next regular meeting (fourth Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.) and approval takes effect 10 days after the decision; permit void if not used within one year.

Sometimes required. Staff-level (dead/dangerous) permit: the building department 'may require' a certified arborist report at applicant's expense (AMC 8.10.040(A)); the Town Arborist inspects after the application and fee are received. Planning Commission-level removal (tree not dead or dangerous): application packet must include 'A Tree Survey and Arborist Report prepared by a professional arborist' (Heritage Tree Removal Procedure and Application to Planning Commission, item 7).

No special treatment in the ordinance. Atherton's ordinance says nothing about fire or defensible space; a heritage tree may only be removed under a permit, with staff-level approval if the Town Arborist finds it 'dead or dangerous' (AMC 8.10.040(B)), and acacias, tree of heaven, mimosa and eucalyptus are not protected at all.

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 48" circumference (15.2" dia) at 54" above natural grade

Dead trees: automatic permit issuance (25-7(b)(6)), permit still required; emergency/fire-danger exceptions can be expedited (25-5(b)); emergency line (650) 595-7441

Removal fees + replant equal value (Sec. 25-9); stop-work; general penalty BCC 1-8

City contacts you within 72 business hours of the online application to schedule the arborist visit; permit can be issued at the visit. Posting period: 48 hours before removal (waivable for emergencies). Permit valid 60 days. Code states only that the reviewing authority 'must timely determine whether to issue the permit' (BCC 25-6(b)(3)).

Sometimes required. Non-development permits: no arborist report listed; the City Arborist books an on-site visit within 72 business hours and 'will assess your tree to determine if a permit may be issued' (Parks & Recreation page). Code application contents (BCC 25-6(a)(2)) list no report, only 'any other pertinent information as may be required by the City Manager.' Development-related permits (building permits, design review, variances): 'the decision-maker may require an Arborist Report or Standard Tree Protection Measures, as appropriate.'

Exempt from the permit when the conditions are met. No permit is needed to remove a protected tree that the fire marshal (or another city official acting officially) has determined is a substantial fire hazard that cannot reasonably be mitigated (BCC 25-5(b)(2)); any other fire-safety removal needs the normal permit, which must be issued without weighing criteria for blue gum, Monterey pine, palm, acacia and dead trees.

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 10" DBH (natives) / 14" DBH (others), at 4.5 ft above natural grade

Emergency removal only BY ORDER of Parks & Rec Director (or designated emergency personnel); ordered removals completed within 7 days (11.06.030). No remove-first option

Misdemeanor/infraction up to $1,000 per violation (each tree/day separate) + restitution: replacement tree or appraised value + replacement costs (11.06.120)

Decision within six months of a complete application (BMC 11.06.070); public notice to owners/residents within 300 feet; removal may not start until the 10-calendar-day appeal period passes; permit valid six months.

Sometimes required. At the Parks & Recreation Director's discretion: BMC 11.06.060(b) lists eight items the director 'may require,' the first being an arborist report from a city-approved arborist. In practice the City Arborist inspects after the online application (two photos + schematic); the FAQ says 'An independent arborist report is often requested since the City Arborist cannot perform work on private trees,' and a structural engineer's report is required when building damage is claimed. Development projects require a project arborist (certified) and tree protection plan.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Burlingame's ordinance is silent on fire and defensible space; a protected tree may be removed without a permit only on an emergency order of the Parks and Recreation Director (or, if unavailable, police, fire, parks or public works staff) for disease or danger to life or property (BMC 11.06.030), and the director weighs tree condition and failure likelihood under 11.06.060(c).

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 44" circumference (14" dia) at 54" (DSH)

Dead trees, trees expected to die within 5 years, trees at ISA high or extreme risk, and Cal-IPC invasive trees are removal criterion A (18.28.070(A)); the permit and ISA-certified arborist report are still required, but 'Where an arborist report indicates that a tree fits this category, fees may be waived.' Emergency (18.28.060(E)): a tree that 'presents an immediate hazard to life or property, as defined by ANSI A300' may be removed without a permit only 'on order of the City Manager, Building Official, or the Director; an after-the-event permit will be required.' City handout: the person acting must report to Community Development within 5 working days with a certified arborist report and photographs documenting the condition; an encroachment permit may be needed from Public Works.

Violation is unlawful and a public nuisance, enforced under Chapter 1.118 (handout cites 18.118); intentional or negligent removal without a permit requires replanting each tree with two or three new trees, or more as the Director determines, to replace the lost canopy within 10-15 years, under a five-year maintenance agreement; if on-site replacement is insufficient the Director sets a civil penalty equal to the CTLA-appraised value of the tree(s) plus the cost of planting elsewhere, in addition to penalties prescribed by law; tree-removal, landscaping and construction businesses face business-license revocation (18.28.110).

Director decision within 30 days of a complete application (18.28.090(B)); decision final 15 days after notice is mailed; handout adds a 15-day pre-approval neighbour notice before the decision and 60 days after the effective date to remove and replant. Appeal window 15 days.

Required. Every Tree Removal Permit application, private or development-related: 18.28.060(A) 'A Certified Arborist report as noted below, is required'; 18.28.060(B) 'The application shall include a tree report by a Certified Arborist report. Any expense associated with the preparation of the tree report shall be the responsibility of the applicant.' Planning handout (6/16/2025) STEP 1: 'Obtain an arborist report from an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist. The report must cite one, or more, of the criteria listed in Section 18.28.070'; required contents: site plan, photos, species, height, circumference at 54 inches, health, risk, why the tree cannot be saved (risk-management pruning, structural support, site/cultural conditions, IPM), reason per 18.28.070, proposed replacement. Development projects also need an Arborist Report and Tree Protection Plan covering all trees 6" DSH and greater with CTLA appraisal, and a final arborist report before acceptance (18.28.060(C)). Emergency removals need a certified arborist report within 5 working days (handout).

No special treatment in the ordinance. East Palo Alto's ordinance is silent on fire; a protected tree may be removed without a permit only if it presents an immediate hazard to life or property as defined by ANSI A300 and the City Manager, Building Official or Director orders it, with an after-the-event permit (EPAMC 18.28.060(E)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. Diameter at 54" above grade (DSH), 8" or more for any species; the city handout expresses the same threshold as 25" circumference at 54".

N/A, no permit regime

Park trees: misdemeanor <=$100 and/or 1 month (12.12.060) or admin citations $100/$200/$500

Not applicable; no private permit regime and no published timeline for city consent to parking-strip tree removal.

Not required. N/A - Foster City has no private-property tree removal permit, so no arborist report requirement exists. The full Municipal Code table of contents (codepublishing, read 2026-10-09) contains no title or chapter on trees, tree preservation, or heritage trees; the only tree provisions are 12.36.130 (injuring vegetation in parks) and 12.40.330 (removing parking-strip trees needs city consent).

No special treatment in the ordinance. Foster City has no private tree removal permit, so no fire exemption is needed; its code regulates only park trees and parking-strip plantings (FCMC 12.36, 12.40).

Hazard track: application reviewed by town-qualified arborist; 30-day hazard-removal window (14.04.040(E)); no remove-then-notify

$150 PER INCH of trunk diameter OR ISA-appraised value, WHICHEVER GREATER + misdemeanor + 36"-box replacement within 6 months (14.04.060)

No published review/decision time. Neighbor notice must be mailed within 3 business days of applying and the affidavit filed within 1 business day of mailing; ADRB items are heard at the next available noticed meeting. Hazard track applies when an arborist states removal is needed within 30 days.

Required. All protected tree removal permits: HMC 14.04.040(C) (improved land), 14.04.050(B) (unimproved land) and 14.04.030(B) (subdivisions) each require 'An arborist report' with the site plan, reason letter, replacement statement and fee. Hazard track (14.04.040(E)): a 'written opinion from a certified arborist' that the tree must be removed within thirty days, reviewed by a town-qualified arborist. Town's Arborist Report Template (v. 23-07-03): 'An arborist report is a required component of a tree removal permit application.'

No special treatment in the ordinance. Hillsborough's ordinance has no fire provision; the only fast route is the hazard track, where a certified arborist's written opinion that the tree must be removed within 30 days because of disease, damage or danger, verified by a town-qualified arborist, lets staff issue the permit (HMC 14.04.040(E)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 18" cumulative diameter at 4'6" (54") above natural grade

12-2.302(b): no removal permit is required when 'The City Manager (or designee) has determined that the Heritage Oak presents an immediate danger to persons or property. Persons believing a Heritage Oak presents an immediate danger should call Town Hall during normal business hours and 911 at all other times.' Dead, diseased-beyond-reclamation, hazardous or crowded oaks still need the permit, but the Town skips the neighbor notice (12-2.304) and, per the Tree Removal Permit page, waives the fee and issues the permit over the counter when the oak 'poses an immediate hazard and/or is dead and creating a fire hazard'. Fee schedule P025 'Hazardous Oak Tree Removal (Dead/Emergency/Defensible Space)': No Fee.

Article 3 contains no specific penalty; removing a Heritage Oak without a permit is a Municipal Code violation (fee schedule: violation fee 'per Municipal Code Section 10-2.1318, with the specific amount determined by the Planning and Building Director'). Trees removed in anticipation of development: Council may condition the project, including 'replacement of each tree removed or damaged by five 48 inch box trees' plus a multi-year maintenance bond (12-2.501); trees removed in violation of development conditions: stop-work order and a plan of restitution with up to five replacement trees per tree and a bond (12-2.502). Permit conditions may require up to five trees planted per oak removed (12-2.306).

No published processing time. Code: 10-day protest period after the Town mails notice to abutting owners (skipped for dead/diseased/hazardous/crowded oaks); if protested, a Site Development Committee hearing on at least 10 days' notice. Town page: immediate-hazard and dead/fire-hazard oaks are issued over the counter.

Sometimes required. Not required with the application. 12-2.303: 'If there is a disagreement regarding the condition of the Heritage Oak between the applicant and the Town, an arborist's opinion must be obtained at the expense of the applicant.' The Town page repeats this. Development reviews: the reviewing authority 'may require the developer to provide recommendations by an arborist' (12-2.502(a)); heritage-tree designation hearings may use a Town-paid arborist report (12-2.401). Fee schedule P026 charges actual cost ($1,000 deposit) when the Town peer-reviews a third-party arborist report.

Expedited or fee-waived route. The code has no fire clause, but the adopted 2026 fee schedule charges no fee for 'Hazardous Oak Tree Removal (Dead/Emergency/Defensible Space)' and the Town page says a dead Heritage Oak creating a fire hazard is permitted over the counter with the fee waived; the permit itself is still required unless the City Manager finds an immediate danger.

Trunk circumference at 48 inches above grade. Circumference at 4 ft (48") above the root crown: 36" (about 12" diameter). Oaks only; no other private species is regulated.

Removal criteria 1-4 (dead, high/extreme risk, decline, invasive) decided on application; only APPLICANT may appeal (to City Manager, 15 days); no neighbor notice for homeowner cases

Up to $5,000 per tree OR tree value, whichever HIGHER (13.24.100 + fee resolution); replacement per trunk-diameter matrix or in-lieu to heritage tree fund

No published review/decision time. Posting: the applicant must post notice of removal on the property before the tree is removed; for criteria 5-6 the city mails notice to owners within 300 feet and the appeal period runs 15 days from posting.

Required. Every nondevelopment heritage tree removal/significant-pruning permit: Step 1 and Step 2 of the city application require an arborist report from a city-approved consulting arborist written within the last 12 months, stating the primary removal criterion. Exception: 'If the heritage tree is dead or is an invasive species ... the applicant may submit pictures and label it as an arborist report.' Development-related permits, work within 10x trunk diameter, or 4+ trees trigger the full Arborist Report Checklist for Large Projects (PW rev 20230605). Code basis: 13.24.050(a) permits 'pursuant to procedures established by the public works director'; 13.24.030(c) tree protection plan 'prepared by a city-approved certified arborist.'

No special treatment in the ordinance. Menlo Park's heritage tree ordinance has no fire provision; removal without a permit is allowed only when a heritage tree is imminently hazardous and the police chief, fire chief or public works director orders it (MPMC 13.24.040), and permits are granted on death, ISA high/extreme risk, health, species, development or utility grounds (13.24.050(a)).

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 47.1" circ (15") / oaks 31.4" circ (10"), at 54" above natural grade

No dead-tree exemption: 'The Director or the Director's appointed City staff will assess the need for a permit related to dead/dying tree(s)' (4-12.04(a)); applications based on disease or imminent hazard get priority (4-12.04(h)); proposed decisions on dead/dying trees cannot be appealed (4-12.07(b)(1)); emergency removal only on order of the Director of Public Works or Director of Public Safety, at owner cost (4-12.09)

Misdemeanor, fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 6 months county jail (4-12.14(a)); violations are a public nuisance; unpermitted removal requires at least 2 replacement trees per healthy tree removed plus payment of the mature tree's replacement value minus the cost of the replacements, or full replacement value in lieu (4-12.14(c)); stop-work orders and performance security forfeiture for construction damage (4-12.11)

14-day review per submittal, then a 10-day public noticing period (city Instructions); code requires inspection and a proposed decision within 14 calendar days of receipt (4-12.04(b)) and gives 10 calendar days to appeal (4-12.07(b)). Permit expiration date is set on the permit; not stated in the code.

Required. Every standalone permit to remove a protected tree: PMC 4-12.04(a) 'An arborist's report including an ISA basic tree risk assessment form will be required for removal of a protected tree(s) needing a permit.' The city's Tree Permit Application checklist lists 'For stand alone applications: Application Fee of $256, Arborist's report and an ISA basic tree risk assessment form' and the Instructions list 'Arborist report' and 'ISA basic tree risk assessment form for removal of a protected tree(s)' as required items. For pruning and encroachment permits the report is discretionary ('may be required to provide a plot plan ... and/or an arborist's report', 4-12.05(a), 4-12.06(a)). For a tree permit connected to a building permit the Instructions require only the application form and site plan (arborist review time is billed), but a tree protection and preservation plan prepared by a qualified arborist is required for any regulated work within 50 feet of a protected tree (4-12.11).

No special treatment in the ordinance. Pacifica's ordinance exempts only tree removals the City itself carries out under a fire mitigation program (PMC 4-12.10); private owners need the normal permit, with priority review for disease or imminent hazard (4-12.04(h)), and emergency removal only on order of the Director or Director of Public Safety (4-12-09).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 12" DBH any species (toyon 4"; grove trees 6"), at 4.5 ft / 54" above grade

Imminently hazardous tree may be removed in emergency without completed permit (14-day posting waived) per city FAQ; dead-but-stable trees still need permit; fees waivable for dead/hazard/storm

$10,000 per tree OR TWICE CTLA reproduction cost, WHICHEVER HIGHER + replacement at 2x prescribed ratio + development moratorium up to 5 years (8.10.110); min replacement two 24"-box trees (TTM Table 3-1)

No published review/decision time. Posting/notice period: 14 days after approval before removal may begin (same window as the appeal period); dead or hazardous trees may be exempted.

Required. Every protected tree removal permit (no-development residential, development, subdivision, planning-approval, and 'any other circumstance') is decided 'on the basis of a tree report prepared by a designated arborist' (PAMC 8.10.050(a)-(e)). Dept page: Tree Removal Permit application must include an arborist report confirming an allowable removal reason; letter-report format acceptable for 3 or fewer trees; hazard claims need a Level 2 TRAQ assessment.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Palo Alto's ordinance has no fire provision; a protected tree may be removed only under a permit from the urban forester on a designated arborist's report showing it is dead, hazardous or a public nuisance, crowding another protected tree, in decline, or damaging a residence foundation or eaves (PAMC 8.10.050(a)(1)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 11.5" / 15" / 18" DBH at 54" above natural grade

No dead-tree exemption: the Town page says a permit is required 'even if the tree appears to be dead'; emergency only: 'when a tree is hazardous or dangerous to life or property, it may be trimmed or removed by order of a member of a utility company, a member of a police or fire department, or town staff, all acting in official capacity' (15.12.050)

Misdemeanor: fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment up to 180 days, each day a separate offense (15.12.410(A)); anyone violating the tree-protection provisions must also replace damaged or destroyed trees with new native trees of at least 15-gallon size (15.12.410(C)); permit revocation or suspension (15.12.350)

No processing time published. Permit effective 16 days after approval (appeal/Council review window); Planning Commission must act within 60 days of a complete application where it is the approving authority or the application is deemed approved (15.12.100(C)(5)); permit lapses if work is not started within 180 days or completed within one year.

Required. Every application to remove a significant tree, per the Town's Tree Removal page ('An arborist's report is required.') and the application form ('REASON FOR TREE REMOVAL REQUEST: (Provide copy of Arborist Report)'). The code itself does not require one: Ch. 15.12 lets the Town engage foresters or other consultants at the applicant's cost (15.12.090) and the Conservation Subcommittee considers 'any arborist reports available'.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Portola Valley's ordinance has no defensible-space exemption; a significant tree may be trimmed or removed without the site development permit only in an emergency when it is hazardous or dangerous to life or property and a utility, police or fire department member or town staff orders it (PVMC 15.12.050).

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 36" circumference (11.5" dia) coast live/black/valley oak and bay; 16" (5") blue oak; 54" (17.2") redwood and Douglas fir; 24" (7.6") big leaf maple and madrone; at 54" above mean natural grade; listed native species only

Dead/dying is an approval GROUND, not an exemption, free permit still required; true emergency: remove, then contact City Arborist within 72 HOURS for inspection + after-the-fact permit (city FAQ)

$500 per tree (pruning or removal) + replacement equal to appraised value of original + possible misdemeanor <=$1,000/6 mo; $500 + mitigation for permit-condition violations

Published: permits normally processed within ten working days (city page); code requires the site investigation within ten days of submittal (35.4(B)); incomplete applications discarded after 10 days (checklist). No posting or neighbor-notice period is published for private-property tree permits.

Required. Every private-property tree removal application: the city's Tree Permit Application - Submittal Requirements checklist lists an Arborist Report as a required item and states removal criteria must be identified in a written recommendation from a Certified Arborist. City Arborist may additionally require architectural plans, tree inventory (large projects/new development) or tree & landscape appraisal.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Redwood City's 1972 ordinance has no fire provision; the Director weighs disease, danger of falling and proximity to structures and gives priority to hazardous or diseased trees (RCMC 35.4), and an emergency hazardous tree may be removed with permission of any Police, Fire or Park Department member (35.5).

Trunk circumference. 38" circumference measured at the widest point between 6" and 36" above the ground (Sec. 35.1).

No dead-tree exemption; permit required unless 'in the case of an emergency when a tree poses an imminent hazard or danger to life or property, it may be pruned or removed by order of any member of the police, fire or public works department' (8.25.030); applications 'based on hazard or danger of disease' get priority (8.25.040(C)); franchised utilities may remove interfering trees

Misdemeanor (city attorney may prosecute as an infraction), each day a separate offense (8.25.090); trees removed without a valid permit must be replaced at double the normal quantity (8.25.050(C)), i.e. four 15-gallon or two 24" box trees per tree, or payment of equal value to the city tree planting fund where replanting is infeasible (8.25.050(D)); pruning beyond permit conditions is deemed a removal (8.25.020)

No processing time published on the city page or in the code. Permit valid six months from date of issue (8.25.040(A)). Reconsideration/appeal deadline: 5 p.m. on the tenth calendar day after the decision.

Required. Every heritage tree removal or pruning permit in practice: the city's Trees on Private Property page says 'You will need to submit a certified arborist report to us by email' listing why the tree needs pruning or removal, the diameter at 54 inches above natural grade, the cost estimate of the work on the report, and a current picture; removal requests must also state the replacement species/size or the in-lieu election. The code itself is permissive: 'The applicant may be required to submit an arborist's report with the permit application to show cause for removal' (8.25.040(A)).

No special treatment in the ordinance. San Bruno's ordinance has no fire provision; a heritage tree may be removed without a permit only in an emergency when it poses an imminent hazard and a police, fire or public works department member orders it (SBMC 8.25.030), and hazard-based applications get priority (8.25.040(C)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 6" diameter (native bay, buckeye, oak, redwood, Monterey pine) / 10" diameter (any other species), measured at 54" above natural grade

Emergency removals require ORAL PERMISSION of City Arborist (replacement still required)

Civil fines <=$5,000 per violation; if tree removed/killed: <=$5,000/tree OR appraised value, whichever HIGHER + stop-work, liens, replacement 1:1 (24" box min; in-lieu if impractical) (18.18.070.G, .F.6)

No published decision timeline. Posting: 14 calendar days after permit issuance before removal (10 days for emergency permits); mailed notice to owners within 300 feet for development/utility applications. Permit void if not acted on within one year of approval.

Sometimes required. Not required as a routine submittal - the City Arborist (city-retained) performs the site visit/report, paid for by the application fee. SCMC 18.18.070(F)(3): City Arborist 'may require the applicant to provide an arborist's report'. Development criterion (F)(2)(e) requires documentation/tree appraisals per the Administrative Guidelines (infeasibility narrative, two alternative site plans); structural-damage claims need a written narrative from an ISA Certified Arborist, structural engineer, or contractor (dept page). Any existing applicant report must be submitted for peer review.

No special treatment in the ordinance. San Carlos' ordinance has no fire provision; a protected tree may be removed without the application procedure only in an emergency with the oral permission or order of the City Arborist, and permits are issued for good cause such as death, ISA high/extreme risk, health, low-desirability species, development or utility interference (SCMC 18.18.070(E)-(F)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 9"/11"/15" dia (heritage) / 11" (significant), at 54"

NO expedited/self-help track; dead = approval criterion (13.40.100(b)(3)); hazard applications get priority review; replacement still owed (15-gal for dead trees)

Civil penalty UP TO $10,000 per participant per tree (Ch. 1.11 scale, 13.40.160) + unpermitted removals replaced with one 48" box tree (FY26-27 cost $3,376) or enhanced up to Replacement Value (13.40.150)

Published: staff response within 20 business days of submittal (city page); 10-day waiting period after approval for appeals; permit valid six months from issuance. Written notice to abutting owners (no on-site posting requirement published).

Sometimes required. Standalone (non-development) removals: optional at initial submittal, may be required later by staff; SMMC 13.40.100 lets the Managing Arborist require a Certified Arborist's report. Required when: (a) Major Pruning (pruning specifications by a Certified Arborist, 13.40.100); (b) removing/pruning more than 5 trees (ISA Certified Arborist report, application form); (c) development-related removals (arborist report must show tree cannot be saved and cite a 13.40.100 criterion). Risk-based requests: report from an ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor 'is recommended and may be required' (application form).

No special treatment in the ordinance. San Mateo's ordinance is silent on fire; the Managing Arborist decides removal permits on tree condition, danger to people or property, structures/utilities, economic enjoyment, erosion, neighborhood and parcel capacity, and gives priority to hazard-based applications (SMMC 13.40.100(b)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 10" (oaks) / 15" (others) dia at 54" above natural grade

DEAD trees need no permit (8.400.100(8)); 'dead tree' = no longer alive or in advanced decline with less than 10% natural vigor 'as determined by a Certified or Consulting Arborist; or can otherwise be shown to be dead as determined by the Director of Planning and Building' (8.400.030(8)); County page: notifying Planning staff first is 'highly recommended'. EMERGENCY (8.400.230): a protected tree may be removed or severely pruned without a prior permit where it 'presents an imminent danger to life, property, utilities, or essential transportation systems, or a tree risk rating of High or Extreme is present, as assessed by an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist (TRAQ)'; the owner must notify the Director (or the Sheriff after hours), photograph the tree, and within 72 hours submit photos and a TRAQ arborist's written verification; replacement trees are required; otherwise it is treated as a violation. Emergency Tree Removal Permit fee $221. FIRE-RISK SPECIES exemption (8.400.100(4)): eucalyptus, pines, acacia, tanoak and bay laurel with the trunk within 100 ft of any habitable structure (including neighbours') or 30 ft of an evacuation road need no permit unless 38" DSH or larger; defensible-space removals identified by CAL FIRE, the County Fire Marshal or local fire authority in High/Very High fire hazard zones are also exempt ((5)). Separate annual Director notice 'Permit Exemption for Hazardous Trees - Extended to July 1, 2027' (dated July 1, 2026) waives permits and fees for the same five species within 100 ft of a habitable structure or 30 ft of an emergency-evacuation road; the page is headed 'Only applicable to the Coastal Zone' (where the old Significant Tree Regulations still apply). Hazard trees not meeting the emergency test go through the normal permit with an arborist report; High/Extreme ratings need a TRAQ arborist's ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form.

Table 3 (8.400.260) fines per tree by cumulative inches of DSH removed: first violation $1,500 (12-24" DSH) / $4,500 (25-48") / $7,500 (over 48"); second violation $4,500 / $10,500 / $18,000; third $7,500 / $15,000 / $22,500; served on the record owner and may also be served on the person doing the work; each tree is a separate infraction. Plus cease-work order, mitigation plan with new arborist report and replacement at the Director's discretion, stop-work on development until mitigation is installed and fees paid, a development moratorium of up to 18 months for violations outside development, a non-revocable maintenance bond, and a recorded notice of violation (8.400.250-.280). Fee schedule: violation permit fees at ten times the normal amount.

County page: 'Approximate Time: 1-2 Months' (excluding appeals). Code: applicant posting at least 10 calendar days; 300-ft mailed notice; appeal within 10 business days of issuance or denial, Planning Commission decision within 15 calendar days of its hearing; permit void if work not commenced within 1 year (8.400.190); replacement planting within 1 year and 3-year maintenance; emergency documentation within 72 hours.

Required. Every Protected Tree Removal Permit and Protected Tree Pruning Permit application (8.400.120(2): 'An arborist report, consistent with this ordinance and its companion document'); the County application form (updated 04/21/2026) says 'Please refer to the Arborist Report Template for guidance on preparing a complete report' and sanmateocountytrees.org: 'Reports are required with a protected tree removal or protected tree pruning permit application'. NOT required for an Expedited Tree Removal Permit for the listed species (acacia, fruit/nut trees, tree of heaven, Italian cypress, eucalyptus, Monterey cypress outside the Coastal Zone, privet, sweetgum, tanoak, magnolia, myoporum, olive, pines, ornamental pear, pepper tree, bay laurel, palms except Canary Island date palm; max 3 trees per parcel per year), which needs photos only (8.400.130(2)). Emergency removals need a TRAQ arborist's written verification within 72 hours (8.400.230(2)). Dead-tree exemption rests on a certified/consulting arborist's determination (8.400.030(8)). Development applications need an Existing Tree Plan and Tree Protection Plan prepared by a certified arborist (8.400.170). The 8.400.120 list also allows the Director to require a licensed architect/engineer report where structural damage is claimed.

Exempt from the permit when the conditions are met. No permit is needed to remove eucalyptus, pine, acacia, tanoak or bay laurel under 38 inches diameter whose trunk is within 100 feet of a habitable structure or 30 feet of an evacuation road, or to remove any protected tree identified by CAL FIRE, the County Fire Marshal or the local fire authority as needed for defensible space in a High or Very High fire hazard zone (County Ord. Code 8.400.100(4)-(5)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. Diameter at 4.5 ft (54") above natural grade (DSH): any species 12.1" (38" circumference); most indigenous species 10"; redwood and Douglas fir 18"; 6" in the four Bayside design review districts.

No dead-tree exemption; emergency removal, pruning or trimming 'because of disease, or danger to life or property' may be ordered by the director (or, if unavailable, a responsible member of police, fire, parks and recreation or public works), with a report to the commission and a retroactive permit application (13.30.070); the director gives priority to applications 'based on hazard or danger of disease' (13.30.060(b))

Damages equal to twice the replacement value of the tree (ISA standards or city arborist appraisal), not to exceed $1,000, in addition to any other penalties allowed by law (13.30.140); unpermitted removal requires three 24" box minimum landscape trees per tree, or payment of their current cost not to exceed $1,000 if not planted within 4 months (13.30.080(b)); payments go to the tree planting fund

No decision deadline in the code; 10-day neighbor comment period after notice to owners within 100 feet (form); permits expire four months after approval; replacement proof due within four months of removal.

Sometimes required. Not required with the application. The director 'may require the applicant to provide a city arborist's report' when reviewing a removal or pruning application (13.30.060(b)); the department's own representative inspects every protected tree and files a written report (13.30.060(a)). The FY 26-27 application asks only for a current color photograph, 'any documentation supporting the condition or need for the pruning or removal', documentation (photos and receipts) if infrastructure damage is claimed, and says 'INCLUDE ANY RELEVANT PHOTOGRAPHS, NOTICES, OR AROBORIST REPORTS THAT YOU HAVE REGARDING THE TREE.' The city page recommends hiring an ISA certified arborist and says to 'hire a professional in the field of arboriculture' if unsure whether a tree is protected.

No special treatment in the ordinance. South San Francisco's ordinance is silent on fire; a protected tree may be removed without a prior permit only in an emergency ordered by the director (or police, fire, parks or public works staff) for disease or danger to life or property, with a report to the commission and a retroactive permit (SSFMC 13.30.070).

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 48" circumference any species (30" heritage species; 75" blue gum, black acacia, myoporum, sweetgum, glossy privet, Lombardy poplar), measured 54" above natural grade

No published self-help exemption; Tree Destruction Permit required for any significant tree (153.434)

$5,000 first significant tree / $7,500 second / $10,000 each additional (153.439; the $212,500/22-tree case = this schedule) + discretionary replacement: CA native, 36" box min, within 1 yr (153.436(B), 153.438)

No published decision timeline. Code sets ten-day deadlines only for the Director's deficiency letter (arborist report) or referral letter. No posting or notice period published, except written notice to adjacent neighbors when the matter is referred to the ASRB. Permit lapses two years after issuance.

Sometimes required. Only at Planning Director discretion, when the applicant's sketch/description/photos are insufficient to determine tree health or hazard (WMC 153.435(B)); Director must notify applicant of the deficiencies within ten days. Approval criterion 153.436(A)(4) (thinning) relies on a certified arborist's recommendation. Routine applications need only sketch, description and ribbon-marked photographs.

Fire hazard is a reason the city may approve a normal permit. A Tree Destruction Permit is always required, but the Planning Director must grant it when thinning is recommended by the Woodside Fire Protection District for fire protection or the trees are eucalyptus, acacia or Monterey pine (WMC 153.436(A)(4)-(5)); the Town waives the fee for those species and for removals under the Defensible Space and Home Hardening Program.

Trunk circumference at 48 inches above grade. 24"/30"/36" circumference at 48 INCHES above mean natural grade

Dead/dying removal only AFTER Community Development Director determination (zoning clearance + photos); true emergencies: notify Director BEFOREHAND, permit within 10 days after (21.32.060(A),(F); 21.32.065)

Infraction (<=$100)/misdemeanor (<=$1,000, 6 mo) + replacement penalty at 2x (SFR) or 4x (other) normal ratio and/or CTLA-appraised value (21.32.160)

No published decision timeline; the Director renders a decision upon acceptance of a complete application (Ch. 21.38 completeness review). Notice: same-day mailed notice of decision to abutting/across-street owners (single-family); heritage-tree hearings are noticed and the site posted ten calendar days before the hearing. Replacement trees due within 30 days of permit issuance; incomplete applications must be completed within 180 days or are deemed withdrawn.

Sometimes required. Only when 'the condition or viability of the tree(s) or its impact to property is not readily evident' - Community Development Director may require it (CMC 21.32.070(B); dead/dying trees 21.32.065(C)); assigned planner informs applicant. Director Interpretation No. 10 (signed 01/04/26) lets dying trees documented by photos/staff inspection be processed by Zoning Clearance, with an arborist report required only where the condition is not visually apparent from ground level. Report is procured by the City from a pre-qualified consultant at applicant expense.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Campbell's ordinance has no fire or defensible-space provision; a protected tree may be removed without a permit only in an emergency on order of the Community Development Director or police/fire staff (notify first, permit within 10 days), as a declared public nuisance, or if determined dead or dying (CMC 21.32.060), and eucalyptus is not protected.

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 48 inches above grade. 12" diameter (38" circumference) at FOUR FEET (48") above adjacent grade

Dead: Director determination BEFORE removal; emergency only on order of Director, sheriff, or fire dept; no-fee retroactive permit within 5 working days (14.18.150(B))

INFRACTION (Ch. 1.12; Gov C 36900(b): $100/$200/$500) + replacement per Table A (one/two 24" box; heritage 48" box) or ISA-appraised in-lieu (14.18.220, .160)

No published decision timeline. Code: site visit within fourteen days at the Director's discretion. Notice and posting required (per 19.12.030 and 19.12.110F) for heritage, privacy-planting, approved-development trees, specimen trees over 24 inches DBH and removals exceeding the 36-month cap; posted notice stays up until removal. Retroactive application for emergency or dead-tree removal must be filed within five working days (no fee).

Sometimes required. Required by CMC 14.18.110(A)(2) for removal of a heritage tree, privacy planting tree, approved development tree, or a mature specimen tree with single-trunk DBH greater than 24 inches (multi-trunk greater than 48 inches). Not required for specimen trees 12-24 inch single-trunk (24-48 multi-trunk) DBH unless the applicant exceeds the 36-month removal cap (6 trees or 5%), which triggers an arborist report plus notification. Tree Removal Permit Application form: 'if needed, ISA certified Arborist report'; General Planning Application checklist (rev. 6/30/2026) item 12 requires an ISA Certified Arborist report (within 90 days) when a project involves removal/disturbance of any Protected Tree or any tree on non-single-family property.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Cupertino's ordinance has no fire or defensible-space exemption; a protected tree may be removed without a prior permit only in a hazardous emergency on order of the Director of Community Development, sheriff or fire department, with a no-fee retroactive application within five working days (CMC 14.18.150).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. Specimen: 12" dia single trunk (38" circ) / 24" aggregate multi-trunk (75" circ), at 4.5 ft

No self-help exemption published; dead trees still need permit + MANDATORY 1:1 replacement (24" box) within 30 days (11.08.120), sole exception: trees that caused direct structural damage

Misdemeanor (Ch. 1.20) + per-tree penalty: CTLA-appraised value DOUBLED if paid in cash, or equivalent replacement (11.08.160); significant pruning (>33% foliage/12 mo) = removal

Published target: approximately 30 days (handout); presubmittal check within 7 days (electronic submittal handout). Posting: at least 10 calendar days on the property after issuance before removal; appeal window 10 calendar days from the decision.

Required. Every private-property Tree Removal Permit application: Planning Division submittal checklist requires (item 3) an Arborist Report prepared by a Certified Arborist and (item 4) a Replacement Plan prepared by a Certified Arborist; Process Handout: review is initiated only when all checklist items 'including an arborist report and replacement plan prepared by a Certified Arborist' are submitted. Code LAMC 11.08.120(C) mandates the certified-arborist replacement plan with the application; 11.08.100(B) lets the approval authority additionally require an independent certified arborist report at applicant expense.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Los Altos' ordinance is silent on fire; a tree may be removed without a permit only when a hazardous or dangerous condition requires immediate action and the development services director, public works director or any police or fire department member orders it (LAMC 11.08.110(A)); dead or diseased trees can be exempted on photo review.

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 48 inches above grade. 12" dia general / 10" natives, at 48" (FOUR FEET) above grade, deviates from 54" standard

Permit-free emergency ONLY for imminent danger w/ Tree Risk Rating Extreme/High: notify Parks & PW (business hrs) or Police (408) 354-8600 (after hrs), photos within 72 HOURS; dead trees otherwise need permit (replacement waived if dead/high-risk)

Civil up to $5,000/tree OR replacement value whichever HIGHER (4x value + staff costs if development-related) + remediation fines $500 first day/$1,000 per day + misdemeanor <=$1,000/6 mo (29.10.1025, .1031)

Decision generally within 10-15 business days of a complete application (Town FAQ; not in code). Heritage/Large Protected Tree permits: 10-day neighbor notice period after Notice of Pending Issuance, plus 5 days to appeal an unresolved objection. Permit valid 90 days.

Sometimes required. At the discretion of the Director/Town Arborist, typically after the initial Town inspection (Town Code 29.10.0980(4); application FAQ item 5: 'If required by the Town Arborist following initial inspection'). If removal is part of a development application, a copy of the associated tree report is required, and development applications affecting protected trees must include a Tree Survey Plan / Tree Preservation Report by a certified or consulting arborist (29.10.1000). If structural damage is the basis, a licensed architect/engineer report may also be required.

Exempt from the permit when the conditions are met. A protected tree may be removed or severely pruned without a Town permit when the work is done to implement or maintain Defensible Space under Town Code Chapter 9 (Sec. 29.10.0970(3)), except blue oak, black oak, buckeye and madrone 8 inches or larger on developed residential lots and heritage or large protected trees, which need a permit supported by a Fire Chief direction finding (Sec. 29.10.0992(11)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 12"/8"/4" diameter tiers at 4.5 ft

Only exception to prior approval: emergency = imminent threat of injury (X-2-5.01); dead tree alone NOT exempt

City cost recovery: ISA-appraised value (Guide for Plant Appraisal) + abatement costs; liens at 8% interest (X-2-9.01, X-2-13.02); replacement >=2:1 (X-2-4.02)

No published timeline for a decision; no posting or neighbor-notice period in Title X Ch. 2 or on the checklist.

Required. For every protected-tree removal on private property, per the Planning Department's Tree Removal Checklist ('Landscape Professional Memo' covering species, approximate size, circumference at breast height, health/status, and reason for removal). The code itself (Title X Ch. 2, version Aug 4, 2026) contains no arborist-report requirement; it only requires ISA-certified appraisal for cost recovery after unlawful removal (X-2-9.01(b)).

No special treatment in the ordinance. Milpitas' ordinance has no fire provision; the only exception to prior Public Works Director approval is an emergency defined as an imminent threat of injury to persons or property (MMC X-2-5.01).

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 56"/37" circumference at 4.5 ft (taut tape)

Permit still required for dead trees and unsuitable species, but decided by the City Manager or City Planner at staff level with a written decision and no fee (10.15.040, 10.15.050(D), application form). 'Dead tree' must be determined by a certified arborist during a non-dormant stage (10.15.015(B)). Emergency exception only when a significant tree is hazardous or dangerous to life or property AND removal 'has been approved by order of the City Manager or the Manager's designee' (10.15.020(A)); the July 2024 brochure routes hazardous/dangerous trees to staff review. Hazardous Tree Removal Rebate: up to 50% of removal cost, max $1,000, one per parcel, WUI parcels only, listed fire-hazard species at least 25" circumference at 4 ft, after a permit is approved and before removal (rebate application 7/2024).

Citation of $1,000 for removing a significant tree without a permit; the violator must then obtain a permit at double the application fee; plus replacement with one or more trees of equivalent aesthetic quality, or, where replacement cannot match, a cash payment of the tree's value under the CTLA Guide plus planting cost (collectible as a debt to the City) (10.15.080). Master Fee Schedule: work commenced without a permit pays an additional 1x base fee.

No processing time is published. Code: Commission hearing after mailed 300-foot notice; appeal window 10 calendar days after the decision is mailed; Council appeal hearing set 10-60 calendar days after the notice of appeal is received (10.15.090(A)). Rebate program: staff contact within two business days of the rebate application.

Sometimes required. At the City's discretion. 10.15.060: when removal is sought because of disease, danger of falling, threat to the owner or neighbours, or because the tree is dead, 'the City may require, at the cost of the applicant for the permit, an inspection and evaluation of any tree or trees proposed to be removed by an arborist who has been prequalified by the City', who prepares a written report on condition and remedial measures. A dead-tree finding itself must be made by a certified arborist (10.15.015(B)). For unsuitable trees the City may require verification of species. Site Development Permit applications that remove a significant tree or encroach on a drip line must include 'a report from a certified arborist' (SDP Tree Removal Submittal Requirements, 10/2022). The stand-alone Tree Removal Permit Application (7/2024) lists no report item.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Monte Sereno's ordinance has no fire exemption; the code exempts only emergency removals approved by order of the City Manager (MSMC 10.15.020(A)), gives dead and 'unsuitable' species (blue gum, red gum, black acacia, tree of heaven, tulip tree, palms, privet, Monterey pine, fruit trees) a staff-level permit, and the City separately offers a Hazardous Tree Removal Rebate for fire-hazard species in the WUI.

Trunk circumference at 48 inches above grade. Circumference at 48" (4 ft) above natural grade; oaks/redwoods over 20", other species over 25". Code says "greater than", so a tree at exactly 20"/25" is not significant.

DEAD trees (City Arborist determination): EXEMPT from permit (32.27(b)(6)). Living hazardous: NOT exempt unless disaster-damaged + declared by designated officials (5-day notice); otherwise secure area pending permit (32.36)

Misdemeanor (Charter s520, max $1,000) + restitution: 24"-box replacements or ISA-valued in-lieu + post-removal permit (32.38-.39); standard replacement 2:1 or in-lieu

Urban Forestry permit: up to 45 days after fee payment, no hearing; inspection typically within 2 weeks of payment. Planning permit: 60 to 90 days (Administrative Zoning hearing; complete application cannot be scheduled sooner than 30 days before the hearing). Decision notice posted on the tree for a minimum of 10 days, which is the appeal period.

Sometimes required. Required only for applications routed to the Planning Division: Heritage tree removal as part of a development permit on a nonresidential or multifamily site, or removal of 4 or more Heritage trees on any multifamily/nonresidential property. Applications routed to Urban Forestry (dead/fallen trees on any property; single-family/duplex removals with or without construction; 3 or fewer trees on multifamily/nonresidential sites with no construction) list no arborist report - the application needs number, species, size, location, reason and owner signature, and a City Arborist inspects (typically within 2 weeks of payment).

No special treatment in the ordinance. Mountain View's ordinance has no defensible-space exemption; a heritage tree may be removed without a permit only if a disaster has damaged it and an officer declares it dangerous (owner notifies the director within five days), if firefighters actively fighting a fire require it, or if the city arborist has determined it is dead (City Code 32.27(b)).

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 12" circ (heritage 3 genera) / 48" circ (all species), at 54" above natural grade

Same-day over-the-counter Unsuitable/dead-tree permits at Permit Center (9-11am/1-3pm weekdays) with certified-arborist documentation; no published processing timeline for standard permits

Heritage: civil penalty up to $30,000 per tree (3-yr window, 13.28.220.B). Street trees: up to $15,000 per city-published schedule (code sets amounts by council resolution; 13.28.230/.670). Private ordinance-size: administrative citation per council fine schedule (13.32.060). Replacement: SFR 1:1 (15-gal min; 24" box = 2 credits); other properties up to 5:1 native/4:1 non-native/3:1 orchard

No published processing time for standard permits. Notice period for live ordinance-size trees: a hearing-request window of not less than 10 calendar days after the tentative decision is mailed (department page: 'a ten day public notice period'), with the applicant posting the notice within 5 days and for at least 5 days. Over-the-counter hazard permits are same-day. Dead/unsuitable tree permits have no notice period.

Sometimes required. Required for dead/dying/diseased removals ('Submit the Tree Removal Permit Application with a signed certified arborist report.'), for over-the-counter imminent-hazard Unsuitable Tree Removal Permits ('as evidenced by a signed certified arborist report'), and for live ordinance-size tree removals when staff request it ('City staff may require you to submit a report signed by a certified arborist'). Not required for unsuitable-tree removals (proximity/species list) unless requested.

No special treatment in the ordinance. San Jose's ordinance has no fire provision; a tree whose trunk is within 5 feet of the dwelling or garage, an invasive/unsuitable species, or an imminently hazardous tree documented by a certified arborist is an 'Unsuitable Tree' that gets the same-day over-the-counter permit, but the five-foot rule is framed as structure proximity, not fire safety (SJMC 13.32.020).

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 38" circumference at 54" above natural grade

Unsuitable-species approval finding for SFR lots (12.35.090(c)(4)(F)), permit still required; no self-help exemption

Monetary penalty <=$5,000 + (for substantial injury/removal) the monetary value of the tree, per tree, + city cost recovery (12.35.140-.150). No treble multiplier (Civ. Code 3346 is a private civil action)

No published timeline; no posting or neighbor-notice period in SCCC 12.35 or on the Planning checklist.

Required. Every application for a protected-tree removal permit (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(2)(C)); also item VI of the Planning Division 'Application Checklist - Tree Removal Permit (Planning)' (Rev. 09/23). For development requiring a discretionary permit and hearing, an ISA-certified tree survey and written report are also required (12.35.100(a)).

No special treatment in the ordinance. Santa Clara's ordinance has no fire provision; the city approves a protected-tree removal only on findings such as disease, danger of falling, potential damage to essential structures, trunk within five feet of the residence or garage, or listed unsuitable species on single-family lots (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(4)), and the five-foot rule is framed as structure proximity rather than fire safety.

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 12" dia (specimen) / 38" dia (any species), at 54" above grade; multibranched: 38" below first fork

Emergency removal only ON ORDER of City Manager, PW/CDD Director (or designees), Peace Officer, or fire department (15-50.060(a)); Director must decide applications within 30 DAYS (15-50.080(c)); 15-day appeal period (waived for dead/near-building/ember-zone trees)

Public nuisance + infraction; civil penalty up to $5,000 per tree OR replacement value (excl. installation) if greater; equivalent-value replacement (cash to Tree Fund DOUBLED for installation); 5-yr maintenance bond (15-50.170). NO 3x multiplier

Director decision within 30 days of filing. Notice of the determination is mailed to residents within 150 feet, followed by a 15-day appeal period before the permit takes effect (waived for dead trees, trunks within 5 ft of a building, and ember-zone removals).

Sometimes required. Mandatory for any application for discretionary development approval that would remove a protected tree, and for other projects where the Community Development Director determines it necessary (15-50.130). For a stand-alone tree removal/pruning/encroachment permit the Director 'may' require a written report from an ISA Certified Arborist and/or City Arborist review, at applicant's expense (15-50.080(b)); otherwise the City Arborist performs a field inspection. The Tree Permit Application form (rev. 9/19/25) lists no arborist-report item.

Expedited or fee-waived route. A permit is still required, but for a protected tree whose main trunk is within five feet of a building the Community Development Director may skip neighbor notice and issue the permit with no appeal period, and defensible-space removals within 100 feet of a structure in the WUI, ember-resistant-zone removals, and any Monterey pine or blue gum in the WUI are express grounds for approval (City Code 15-50.070(b), 15-50.080(a)(11)-(13)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 6" (natives) / 10" (others) DBH at 4.5 ft

No self-help exemption published; file at least 10 working days before proposed removal (19.94.050); city decides 'usually within 2 weeks'

Per tree: $5,000-$25,000 (substantial injury/damage); $10,000-$50,000 (destruction/improper removal) + city expenses & attorneys' fees; liens (19.94.160). Replacement discretionary: 24" box min; in-lieu $530-$2,120

No published decision timeline. Applications must be filed at least 10 working days before the proposed removal; after the decision there is a 15-day appeal period before removal may proceed. Tree removal permits expire after one year.

Sometimes required. Not required for a standard private protected-tree removal permit: the Tree Removal Permit Checklist (Rev. 12/2022) lists only Owner Certification, tree information (number, location, type/size, reason) and the non-refundable fee, and states the City Arborist and Planning staff inspect the tree(s). A certified arborist report is optional and reduces the fee (separate fee line). An ISA-certified arborist tree survey is required only when site development needs a discretionary permit and public hearing (SMC 19.94.110(a)).

No special treatment in the ordinance. Sunnyvale's ordinance has no fire provision; a protected tree permit may be approved if the tree is diseased or damaged, represents a potential hazard to people, structures or other trees, or restricts reasonable use (SMC 19.94.060), and the chapter is waived only for rescue or utility repair in natural-disaster emergencies (19.94.150).

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 38" circumference at 4.5 ft (54") above ground

No dead-tree exemption; City Manager must find potential danger to life or limb BEFORE removal (6.52.010(C)), request via Coast Live Oak form to trees@berkeleyca.gov

Misdemeanor: up to $1,000 and/or 6 months, each day separate (BMC 1.20.010); street trees: infraction (12.44.090); 1:1 CLO replacement only in affordable-housing exception

No published timeline for the coast live oak exemption; no posting or notice period. (The department page's 2-4 week inspection window applies to requests for City-owned tree work, not to the private-oak exemption.)

Not required. No arborist report required. The city's 'Coast Live Oak Pruning or Removal Exemption' form (for private property) asks only for applicant/tree address, exception type (pruning >25% or removal), reason for request, and site access; City staff/City Manager designee decides. BMC 6.52.010(C) places the danger finding on the City Manager or designee.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Berkeley regulates only coast live oaks on private land and its oak ordinance has no fire exception; the City Manager may grant an exception only if the tree is a potential danger to life, limb or property (BMC 6.52.010(C)), and the EMBER/WUI code (BMC 19.49.070) lets existing trees stay in Zone 0 if pruned to clearance rather than requiring removal.

Trunk circumference at 48 inches above grade. 18" circumference single / 26" aggregate, at 4 FEET (48") above ground

Immediate hazard: 'Removal of a heritage tree that presents an immediate hazard to life or property, with the approval of the Director, City Engineer, Police Chief, Fire Chief or their designee' needs no permit (5.60.050(B)(1)); approval from one of those officials is still required before removal. Dead, dying or declining heritage trees otherwise go through the normal permit; tree condition is the first decision criterion (5.60.060(C)(1)) and 'a certified arborist's determination of the state of health of the heritage trees may be required' (5.60.060(A)(3)). No fee waiver for dead trees in the code or fee sheet.

Civil penalty equal to twice the appraised value of the tree, appraised by a city-selected arborist to industry standards, plus the city's appraisal costs; mandatory replacement with new tree(s) and/or additional plantings of the same species, size and location set by the Director (5.60.120). For development sites the tree-protection cash bond or security (based on tree valuation) is forfeited as a civil penalty for unauthorized removal (5.60.100).

Director decision within 10 working days after receipt of a complete application (5.60.060(C)); concurrent with the entitlement decision for development removals. Appeal: 14 days to file; placed on the next regular Council agenda with at least 5 calendar days' notice to the appellant (5.60.070). No published city turnaround beyond the code; permit validity period not stated.

Sometimes required. At the Director's discretion: 5.60.060(A)(3) 'If the tree or trees are proposed for removal because of their condition, a certified arborist's determination of the state of health of the heritage trees may be required'; and (A)(5) an additional deposit 'may be required by the Director to retain a certified arborist to assist the city in assessing the condition of the trees'. Development applications must include a landscaping plan showing all trees (5.60.060(B)) and, where a heritage tree is on a demolition/grading/building-permit site, a tree protection plan 'prepared and signed by a certified arborist' (5.60.090); the Planning Division's residential-addition checklist requires 'a copy of an arborist report with tree protection guidelines' for sites with a heritage tree.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Dublin's heritage tree ordinance has no fire or defensible-space provision; a heritage tree may be removed without a permit only if it presents an immediate hazard to life or property and the Director, City Engineer, Police Chief or Fire Chief approves (DMC 5.60.050(B)(1)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. Diameter at 4 ft 6 in (54") above natural grade; 24" or more, listed species only.

Standard free permit process; landmark removals need Council hearing filed 90 days ahead (18.215.160)

Administrative fines $250 first / $750 second / $1,000 third+ per tree + restitution/mitigation (18.215.200(c)); street trees per 12.30.180

Department page: 2-4 week turnaround target (allow the full 4 weeks). Code: applications must be filed at least 15 days before the proposed removal date (90 days for landmark trees). No posting or public notice period for private protected trees; notice is mailed only for an appeal hearing (10 days).

Sometimes required. At staff discretion: FMC 18.215.110(a)(3)(D) lets the landscape architect require, 'when appropriate, a report by an arborist selected by the city' for non-development private protected-tree removals; 18.215.120 (development pending/contemplated) likewise: '(E) When required by the landscape architect, a report by an arborist selected by the city'. The applicant pays the report cost via advance deposit (18.215.110(a)(1)). The online Property Owner application asks for photos, not a report.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Fremont's ordinance has no defensible-space exemption; a protected tree may be removed without a permit only when fire department personnel actively fighting a fire, a city official or the landscape architect determine immediate removal is necessary to prevent imminent injury or property damage (FMC 18.215.050(c)(4)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 10" DBH (natives) / 18" DBH (any species) / 6" DBH (vacant, underdeveloped or development lots), at 4.5 ft

Permit approved upon evidence tree is dying/diseased/dead as confirmed by City Landscape Architect (10-15.26(1)), permit still required first; pruning branches >4" dia also needs permit (10-15.21(1)(i))

Administrative fine = DOUBLE the permit fee (10-15.29(1)) + misdemeanor exposure; mitigation per 10-15.21(6): residential two 24" box per tree; 3+ trees/commercial/heritage -> ISA-appraised valuation

Department page: typically one week to process (excluding applicant revision time). No posting or public notice period in HMC Art. 15 for non-development permits.

Sometimes required. HMC 10-15.21(4) (Ord. 25-09, adopted 9/2/2025): required (a) for development projects; (b) for proposed removal of a Heritage Tree, Memorial Tree, three (3) or more Protected Trees, or if requested by the Director; (c) for pruning permits removing more than one-third of canopy, non-ANSI A300 pruning, or if requested by the Director. Also 10-15.22(7): if a permit is sought on tree-risk grounds, 'an ISA tree risk assessment form must be included with the application' rated by an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist. Replacement for 3+ residential trees is based on the valuation in the required arborist report (10-15.21(6)(c)(ii)).

Expedited or fee-waived route. A protected eucalyptus, pine, acacia, tanoak or Italian cypress whose trunk is within 100 feet of a habitable structure or 30 feet of an evacuation road, or a tree in a high/very high fire severity zone that the Hayward Fire Marshal finds is an unmitigable risk, may be removed without first getting a permit, but a retroactive permit with photographs must be filed afterwards at no fee (HMC 10-15.26(2)(c)-(d)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 4" DSH (natives) / 8" DSH (non-natives, commercial property or residential front yards only) / 36" DSH (redwoods), diameter at 54"

Only immediate-threat emergency allows removal without permit, report by NEXT BUSINESS DAY (12.36.130); dead-but-stable tree still needs permit; narrow exemptions 12.36.140

INFRACTION + replacement trees/fees NOT TO EXCEED ISA-appraised value + full investigation/enforcement costs (lien-backed) (12.36.150); generic admin civil penalties cap $1,000/day, $365,000/yr/parcel (OMC 1.08.060.B). Claremont case: $915,135.40 TOTAL for 38 trees (Res. 91118 C.M.S.), not per-tree

Code sets a 20-working-day decision deadline; public notice/comment period of not less than 20 working days after verified posting; site inspection within 5 working days; completeness check within 4 working days. The department page publishes no processing time.

Not required. Not required by OMC 12.36.080(C) (non-development) or 12.36.090 (development): applicant submits a site plan showing location, species and dbh of protected trees plus a written compliance certification; the City Tree Reviewer evaluates (e.g., 12.36.050(B)(4) value 'measured by the Tree Reviewer using the criteria established by the International Society of Arboriculture'). The only 'arborist' mention in Ch. 12.36 is the Monterey pine removal notice. Department application page makes no mention of an arborist report.

Fire hazard is a reason the city may approve a normal permit. Fire safety is not an exemption in Oakland; the city may grant the normal tree removal permit where removal is necessary to protect public health and safety from a 'potential hazard to life or property' or to implement S-11 vegetation management prescriptions (OMC 12.36.050(A)(1), (A)(5)), and eucalyptus and Monterey pine are not protected at all.

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 4" DBH (CLO) / 9" DBH (others), at 4.5 ft

No permit needed (private); City can compel hazard-tree removal on 24-hour notice at owner expense (3.21)

Private removal: none. PUBLIC tree violations: $1,000 per violation + treble damages (Civ. Code 3346), each branch >1" pruned a separate violation (3.20.1); street/ROW removal needs prior Park Commission approval after noticed hearing (3.18)

Private trees: not applicable (no permit). Street trees: request must be filed at least 20 working days before the Park Commission meeting; neighbor petition due 5 days before the hearing; no decision deadline published.

Not required. No private-tree removal permit exists, so no report is required. City Code Ch. 3 Art. V (Trees on Private Property) contains only Sec. 3.21 (City-initiated hazardous tree removal on 24-hour notice) and Sec. 3.22 (Viewshed; private view-claim arbitration). Only arborist references: 3.22 'View Arbitrator' may be an ISA registered/certified arborist, and 3.22.7(5) 'All trimming, topping, thinning and tree removal required under this Section must be performed by a certified arborist.'

No special treatment in the ordinance. Piedmont has no private tree removal permit, so no fire exemption is needed; the only private-tree provisions let the City order removal of a tree that is an imminent hazard to public property on 24-hour notice (City Code 3.21) and govern view disputes (3.22).

Dead, dying or diseased trees (17.16.020(C)(1)) and dangerous/hazardous trees ((C)(2)) are grounds for a permit, which is still required (free; City Arborist inspection). Emergency (17.16.060): a protected tree may be removed WITHOUT a permit only in an 'emergency' as defined in 17.16.006 (active failure in progress such as a broken attached branch, partial uprooting or split fork meeting ISA 'extreme' or 'high' risk); the director must be notified 'at the earliest opportunity' to confirm, and if it was not an emergency the 17.16.110 penalties apply. High/very-high fire-severity-zone trees may be approved for removal on a Livermore-Pleasanton fire marshal finding ((C)(6)).

Civil penalty of $100 for each inch of trunk circumference at 54" above grade (or at the height of the remaining stump) OR the appraised value of the tree (CTLA Guide for Plant Appraisal), whichever is greater; minimum $5,000 when species/size cannot be determined; property owner who hired the remover is liable; failure to plant or maintain replacement trees within one year draws the same penalty; director may suspend permit processing, issue stop-work or revoke construction permits (17.16.110). Development trees removed without approval: penalty equal to appraised value plus forfeiture of the $100/inch bond (17.16.050).

City brochure (2026): response within 2 weeks from the City Arborist's inspection. No statutory decision deadline in 17.16.020. Appeal: 20 days to file; board hearing within 60 days of receipt (17.16.040, 17.16.045). Permit validity period not published.

Sometimes required. Not required for a stand-alone private removal: 17.16.020(A) requires only the city form with 'the number, species, size and location of protected trees to be removed and a brief statement of the reason for removal'; the City Arborist visually inspects and responds within 2 weeks (2026 brochure). Required at the director's discretion for new property development (17.16.050(A)(2): 'Depending on the scope of the development, the director may require the applicant to provide an arborist report ... by an approved consulting arborist', which must include a CTLA appraisal) and the 2026 brochure says for development 'An arborist report from the City's list of approved consulting arborists and/or mitigation for tree removal may be required.' Minor development handled through the building permit (17.16.070): if the project requires an arborist's report its tree-protection recommendations are binding and an approved consulting arborist must monitor the site. Older brochure: 'This period will be longer if an arborist report is needed.'

Fire hazard is a reason the city may approve a normal permit. The director may grant the (free) permit for a protected tree in a CAL FIRE high or very high fire severity zone if the Livermore-Pleasanton fire marshal determines it poses an increased risk to life or property that cannot reasonably be mitigated (PMC 17.16.020(C)(6)); only an active-failure emergency allows removal without a permit.

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. Circumference at 4.5 ft (54") above ground: natives 37" or more, all other species 55" or more.

816-6.1002(1) Hazardous Situation: no permit for 'Any tree whose condition creates a hazardous situation which requires immediate action as determined by the director, building inspector, sheriff, involved fire district or a utility company to protect its facilities. During off-hours, when officials described above are unavailable, the hazardous situation may be corrected and a report of the incident and description of the hazard shall be submitted to the director within ten days of the incident.' Dead or declining trees that are not an immediate hazard need the tree permit; 'the arborist report indicates that the tree is in poor health and cannot be saved' and 'the tree is in danger of falling and cannot be saved by some other means (such as pruning)' are approval factors (816-6.8010(2)(A), (C)), and a report by an arborist 'may be required' when the reasons relate to tree health (816-6.8008). Routine pruning without topping is exempt; topping (removing the upper 25% or more of the trunk or leader) needs a permit. Designated heritage trees in a hazardous condition may be removed with the zoning administrator's permission without formal application (816-4.604).

816-6.1208: 'Violations of this chapter are punishable and may be corrected in any manner provided by this code or as otherwise allowed by law. Each tree damaged or removed in violation of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense.' Trees damaged or killed during construction without approval must be replaced 'with a tree or trees of equivalent size' of a species approved by the director (816-6.1206); replacement trees for unlawfully removed trees become protected trees (816-6.6004(1)(C)). Code enforcement: Notice to Comply fee two times the permit fee or $300 minimum, $150 per inspection trip (DCD FAQ). No per-tree dollar fine in Ch. 816-6.

Apply at least 10 days before the proposed work; the code sets no decision deadline; single tree permits valid 90 days (renewable); 10-calendar-day appeal period; 10 days to report an off-hours emergency removal. County page: processing time 'varies significantly depending on the complexity'; General Applications may go out for a 30-day agency comment period.

Sometimes required. 816-6.8008: 'If the reasons for alteration or removal relate to the health of the tree or if grading, trenching or filling is proposed under the dripline of an existing tree, or the review is of a collective tree permit and the director determines that more technical expertise is necessary to make the decision, a report prepared by an arborist may be required, to be paid for by the applicant.' Approval factor 816-6.8010(2)(A) relies on 'The arborist report indicates that the tree is in poor health and cannot be saved'. Development: a tree survey is submitted with the project application (816-6.1004(b)); the 'Tree Removal and Protection Plan' is listed as a special report on the County's General Application requirements; an arborist may be required on site during grading within driplines and must report after construction (816-6.1202(2)).

Fire hazard is a reason the city may approve a normal permit. Fire risk is an approval factor, not an exemption: a permit may be granted because 'The tree is a species known to be highly combustible and is determined to be a fire hazard' (816-6.8010(2)(E)); the only permit-free paths are an immediate hazard determined by the director, building inspector, sheriff, fire district or utility (816-6.1002(1)) and rangeland fire-risk thinning on agricultural parcels of 20 acres or more (816-6.1002(5)).

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. Circumference at 4.5 ft (54") above ground level: 20" (approximately 6.5" diameter). Listed natives everywhere when in a riparian, woodland or savanna area or a stand of four or more; any species on undeveloped and non-residential parcels.

Application to Planning; no published self-help exemption

Misdemeanor + civil damages of 3x CTLA-appraised value (32-79.13), the region's only true treble-damages scheme; replacement: minor/no development 1x 15-gal (=20"); major development inch-for-inch (32-79.8, Ord. 2025-03)

Decision within 15 working days after filing a complete application (45 days if referred to the Planning Commission; concurrent with any related development entitlement). No posting or neighbor-notice period.

Sometimes required. At the discretion of the Chief of Planning - 'if determined necessary' (32-79.6(c)). The Planning Division's Tree Removal requirements sheet (REV. 1024) says: 'In cases where the reasons for the proposed tree removal are not clearly visible, the applicant may be asked to submit an arborist report for the tree(s).' Applications tied to a major or minor development project must include a detailed tree site plan (32-79.6(b)); mitigation ratios may be adjusted 'based on an arborist report or environmental study' (32-79.8(c)).

Expedited or fee-waived route. A tree removal permit is still required, but the application fee is waived when the tree must be removed because it is close to the primary residence or to maintain defensible space or a fuel break in order to comply with a notice from your fire insurer or a fire protection agency; that notice is also a ground for approval (Danville Mun. Code 32-79.5.b.1, 32-79.7).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 10" dia single (natives) / 36" heritage, at 4.5 ft above natural grade

Fire-district notices route through Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (NOT Moraga-Orinda FD), 6-1705; Director acts within 30 days (60 if referred)

Strict-liability civil fines by diameter: $1,000 (48") first offense (6-1709(d)) + stop-work + 5-yr development restriction; mandatory replacement, no in-lieu

Category I: completeness review within 30 days of filing; decision within 30 days of the application being deemed complete, or within 60 days if referred to the DSIMPIC, Design Review Commission, Planning Commission, or City Council. No public posting or notice period applies to Category I permits (ministerial, no hearing).

Sometimes required. Category II (development-associated) permits: required (LMC 6-1707(b)(2)). Dead/dying-tree fee-waived permits: required to attest tree is dead/dying and cause (6-1705(b)(2)). Imminent-threat emergency removal: arborist certification (6-1705(c)(1)). Category I standalone: code lists arborist report only as 'supplemental information as may be necessary' (6-1706(b)(3)), but the current Tree Permit Application (Rev. 2026-03-20) lists 'ARBORIST REPORT prepared by a certified or consulting arborist' as a General Submittal Requirement (YES/N/A checkbox) and Step 2 says to 'ensure that all submittal requirements are included (arborist report, narrative, replacement calculations, etc)'. Director may also refer to a city arborist for peer review at applicant cost.

Expedited or fee-waived route. A tree whose trunk is within 5 feet of a building or attached deck may be removed with no permit, no fee and no replacement, and pruning for 10 feet of building/chimney clearance needs no permit (LMC 6-1705(a)); trees that Contra Costa County Fire has noticed for defensible space or a fuel break still need a permit but the fee is waived (6-1705(b)(4)); the Director may also waive the permit for Gov. Code 51182 defensible space in consultation with the fire district (6-1705(c)(3)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 12" DSH developed natives / 6" undeveloped natives / 6" riparian, at 4.5 ft

12.12.050 Emergency tree removal: 'In case of emergency caused by a tree being in a hazardous, dangerous or diseased condition requiring immediate action for the safety of structures or human life, such tree may be removed on the oral permission of the town manager or the staff person designated by the town manager, without formal application.' The Town Manager may also order removal of such a tree at the owner's expense on the recommendation of the planning, parks or public works director. Dead or diseased native trees that are not an immediate emergency go through the normal permit; the Planning Director decides on tree condition and 'may require an arborist report if the health and/or safety of a tree is in question' (12.12.040). Any tree within 5 ft of a structure is exempt (12.12.030(B)).

12.12.150(B): 'A person who violates the provisions of Section 12.12.030 shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for each tree removed without obtaining the proper permit, and may be required to plant replacement trees in a ratio determined by the planning director.' Master Fee Schedule: Tree Removal Fine $1,115 per tree. Violations may also be prosecuted under Ch. 1.28 administrative citations, other civil and criminal remedies (12.12.150(C)), nuisance abatement under Ch. 7.16, and 12.12.170 misdemeanor (which cross-references the repealed 12.12.160).

No processing time is published in Chapter 12.12, on the application or the Town FAQ. Appeals must be filed within 10 days of the decision.

Sometimes required. Code: 'The planning director may require an arborist report if the health and/or safety of a tree is in question.' (12.12.040). Development: 'When proposed developments or construction may encroach into the dripline of any regulated tree, an arborist report shall be prepared.' (12.12.070); Town FAQ: a pool within the dripline of a native tree over 5" diameter at 3 ft needs an arborist report. The Tree Removal Permit Supplemental Application lists 'Arborist Report' with Site Plan and Photographs under 'Required Supporting Information (include as separate attachments)' as checkbox items, so staff may treat it as a standard attachment; confirm with Planning before filing without one.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Chapter 12.12 has no fire-hazard exemption or criterion; only the emergency clause (immediate danger to structures or life, oral Town Manager permission) and the exemption for any tree within five feet of a structure apply.

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 36 inches above grade. Diameter at 3 ft (36") above natural grade: 5" single trunk, or 40" total perimeter for multiple trunks. Native, orchard and Council-designated historic trees only.

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)

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)

No published timeline specific to tree removal permits in OMC 17.21 or on the application. The city's Planning Applications page says Zoning Administrator projects average 1-3 months from submittal to approval and that, once an application is deemed complete, a 10-day public notice is mailed to properties within 300 feet of discretionary applications; the tree permit application includes a $213 mailing fee.

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).

Exempt from the permit when the conditions are met. No tree permit is needed when the removal is required by the Moraga-Orinda Fire District for Fire Code compliance, ordered by a fire official in an emergency, or required to obtain or keep insurance, provided the fire district's or insurer's documentation is given to the Planning Department (OMC 17.21.3.B.2, B.5, B.7).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 12" (oaks, developed) / 6" (any, vacant/downtown) / 4" (riparian), at 4.5 ft

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.

Civil penalty =two 15-gal on site; non-native >=one 15-gal (18.100)

No published review or decision timeline for the Zoning Administrator's action, and no posting or mailed-notice period is specified for a tree removal permit in Ch. 18.100. Published periods: 10-calendar-day appeal window after the mailed notice of decision; appeal hearing within 60 calendar days; permit valid 12 months.

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).

Fire hazard is a reason the city may approve a normal permit. A tree located close to a structure in a high fire hazard area whose removal is needed to create defensible space under fire-safety laws or Fire District requirements is one of the factors the Zoning Administrator weighs in approving the normal permit (PHMC 18.100.030(E)(9)); no permit is needed only for firefighting removals, imminent hazards (permit within five days) and dead trees (18.100.040).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 9" (natives) / 18" (non-natives), diameter at 54" (DBH)

Hazardous-tree emergency removal by WRITTEN PERMISSION of the Director (3-8.03); applications >=10 days before desired removal (3-8.04)

Civil: up to $200/inch of circumference (highly protected) or $100/inch (others) if tree dies + appraised-value/replacement-cost difference; severe non-fatal damage: 3x damage or $1,000 whichever greater; + misdemeanor <=$1,000/6 mo or infraction (3-8.08)

The application form says to allow 10 working days for the field evaluation and processing; the code requires non-development applications to be filed at least 10 days before the desired removal. No posting or mailed-notice period applies to Director-approved removals; a public hearing with notice under Ch. 10-2, Part IV, Art. 3 is required only for trees the Director does not approve.

Sometimes required. Required when the tree removal involves development: applicant must provide an arborist report with tree survey plan (WCMC 3-8.04(b)); if development and 3 or more trees are proposed for removal, 'or when otherwise required by the Director', an arborist report and tree appraisal are required (3-8.04(c)); Director may waive. Standalone (non-development) removals: no applicant arborist report - the Director/City Arborist visits and inspects the trees (3-8.04(d); city page step 4 'City Arborist Visit'; application form has no arborist-report item).

No special treatment in the ordinance. Walnut Creek's ordinance has no fire provision; the Director grants the permit on findings such as danger of falling or proximity to structures that cannot be remedied by less drastic means, or that the tree is a Tasmanian blue gum or Monterey pine (WCMC 3-8.04(d)), and applications are filed at least 10 days before removal.

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 28" circ single / 40" aggregate multi-stem, at 4.5 ft above natural grade

Dying trees may be exempted from Design Review by staff (Policy 15.2, citing 20.04.015). 'If a tree is a danger to life or property, the Building Official can determine that an emergency exception is necessary under Section 20.04.020(C) and authorize the work' (Policy 15.2); the owner must then return with a plan to correct the loss of visually significant landscaping. Hazard complaints about any tree go to the superintendent of public works under 8.28.030, which can order correction within 30 days (7-day appeal to Council) and lets a complainant deposit funds for a City-retained certified arborist's opinion; Public Works charges $225 plus arborist costs for a Hazardous Tree Evaluation.

No tree-specific penalty. Fee schedule: 'Retroactive Approval 2X total fees' plus 'Retroactive Approval Fine $500' for work done without Design Review approval (Planning Fees line 5); failure to perform court- or arbitration-ordered view corrective work is maintaining a public nuisance (8.28.130); unresolved hazards may be abated at the owner's expense (8.28.030(E)). General Title 20 and Title 1 enforcement provisions not read.

No tree-specific timeline. Design Review follows the Ch. 20.04 application and hearing calendar (Planning Commission applications need story poles and plans 20 and 10 days before the meeting; staff-level exceptions and exemptions are decided administratively); an emergency exception by the Building Official is immediate.

Sometimes required. For significant tree removals that go through Design Review: the City's Tree Trimming and Removal page says 'Most significant tree removals will require a site inspection by an independent, City-contracted arborist. The cost for the report is charged to the applicant. Reports hired by the property owners cannot be considered for "independent" review.' Exempted removals (Statement of Exterior Changes plus staff field inspection) need no report. In view disputes an arbitrator 'may require either party to pay for and submit a report from a certified arborist' (8.28.040(F)(1)); hazard complaints can be referred to a City-retained certified arborist at the complainant's deposit (8.28.030(C)).

No special treatment in the ordinance. No fire-safety or defensible-space provision governs private tree removal; the only related rules are that staff may exempt 'undesirable' (fast-growing, flammable) species from Design Review under Policy 15.2, and that in a neighbor view dispute removal may be ordered to prevent growth 'with the consequent danger of increase in fire hazard' (BMC 8.28.080(E)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 16" diameter native trees (policy); "visually significant" trees of any species by staff judgment; no code threshold

No dead-tree exemption; tree condition (disease, danger of falling, fire hazard) is a decision factor (15.50.060(1)). Emergency: 'a tree located on private property ... may be removed without the necessity of a permit application ... upon a determination by the town manager, or his/her designee, that removal of the tree is necessary for the immediate protection of life or property' (15.50.050(7)); the application form adds that an arborist report must then be submitted to Planning to verify the tree's condition.

Removing, destroying or altering any tree without a required permit is a misdemeanor; each tree is a separate offense; fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail (15.50.030(a), (b)); administrative citations and fines under Ch. 9.05 also apply (15.50.030(c)); tree fees and fines are earmarked for town tree matters (15.50.030(d)). No replacement formula or appraisal-based penalty in the chapter.

Mailed 300-ft notice at least 10 days before the director's decision; permit effective 10 days after the decision if not appealed; no overall decision deadline published. Permit valid one year from its effective date, renewable once for one year.

Required. Every tree permit application in practice: the Town's Application for Tree Permit lists as submittal requirement 3 'An Arborist Report that includes an assessment and recommendation signed by a Certified Arborist working independently of a tree removal service.' The code itself is permissive: 15.50.070(a) 'Where appropriate, the planning director may also consider a written report from an independent tree expert at the applicant's expense, if agreed to by the applicant.' Undesirable-species removals at 50 inches circumference or more need the town arborist's species confirmation (15.50.050(5)); emergency removals need an arborist report afterward (form); fire-prone trees need town species confirmation plus fire code official verification (15.50.050(9)).

Exempt from the permit when the conditions are met. A listed fire-prone tree may be removed without a tree permit once the town confirms the species and the fire code official verifies it is a fire hazard (CMMC 15.50.050(9)); the eight undesirable species are exempt at any size, and fire hazard is also an approval factor for other trees (15.50.060(1)).

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 50" circumference single trunk / 120" aggregate circumference multi-stem (any species) at 4.5 ft

Permit still required but ministerial: 'The Director may grant a permit ministerially where the Director determines that ... The tree to be removed is dead or extremely diseased. The Director may require that the applicant provide an analysis by a Qualified Arborist to support this determination' (8.36.040(B)(1)). Emergency (immediate threat to life or immediate and significant threat to property): the tree 'may be removed immediately by permission of the Director, by any officer of the Police or Fire Departments, the Director of Public Works, or any member of the Committee' (8.36.120); after hours call Fairfax Police Dispatch (415) 453-5330 (Town page).

Unlawful removal or alteration of a tree is a public nuisance punishable as a misdemeanor or infraction (8.36.140(A)); knowing violation is also a civil violation with an immediate citation and 'a $1,000 fine' per violation, no first warning required (8.36.140(B), (C)); administrative hearing may be requested within 45 days, then appeal to the Town Council and Superior Court (8.36.150); the fine is a debt to the Town recoverable by civil action (8.36.160). Fee schedule: 'Penalty - Work without Valid Entitlement 1.5x actual cost of permit'.

Application due 14 days before the monthly (4th Monday) Tree Advisory Committee meeting; ribbons on trees and agenda posting 10 days before the meeting; permit not effective until the 10-day appeal period runs. Committee recommendations on development applications within 30 days (8.36.030(B)). No permit validity period stated.

Sometimes required. At the Tree Advisory Committee's or Director's discretion. 8.36.060(A): 'The Committee may require the applicant to submit his or her application to a Qualified Arborist designated by the town for a report and recommendation. The applicant shall bear all expenses in conjunction with this report.' If the Committee finds the report not credible it may order peer review by a second Qualified Arborist at the Town's expense. For ministerial dead or extremely diseased tree permits 'The Director may require that the applicant provide an analysis by a Qualified Arborist' (8.36.040(B)(1)). Report contents are prescribed by 8.36.070 (species, height, DBH, age; defects and hazards; preservation alternatives; a completed ISA Tree Hazard Evaluation Form). Town FAQ: 'it is advisable that your tree removal application include a report from a certified arborist indicating why the tree must be removed'. A Tree Protection Plan by a Qualified Arborist is mandatory for construction near a permit-size tree (8.36.080).

Expedited or fee-waived route. An undesirable-species tree that the Fire Department has deemed a fire hazard gets a ministerial permit from the Director with no Tree Committee hearing (FMC 8.36.040(B)(3)); fire-department-required trimming for fire or WUI code compliance is not an 'alteration' and needs no permit, and 'potential fire hazards' is an approval consideration for every other tree (8.36.020, 8.36.060(B)(1)).

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. 12" circumference (4" diameter) any species, at 4.5 ft above lowest grade; heritage natives 12-50" circumference by species

No dead-tree exemption in the code, but the city page says 'no fee for hazard or dead trees' and no neighbor notice is mailed for dead or fire-hazard trees. Immediate hazard: 'When a tree poses an immediate hazard or is dangerous to life or property, it may be authorized to be removed without a permit by order of the City Manager or other responsible City official' (12.16.070(B)); the city page names the City Manager, Fire or Police and gives a Central Marin Fire contact. Sudden Oak Death oaks: staff issue the permit on a qualified arborist report plus site inspection, no notice or hearing (12.16.070(M)).

Unlawful removal, destruction or damage of a heritage tree: penalty equal to twice the appraised value of the tree (City Arborist appraisal per the Guide for Plant Appraisal) plus the City's appraisal costs; mandatory replacement with the same species in a size and location set by the City Manager; violation is a public nuisance (9.24.030) and a misdemeanor (10.76.010); civil action with recovery of the City's investigation, trial, overhead and attorney costs (12.16.080)

No decision deadline in the code or on the city page. Mailed 300-ft notice with a 15-day protest window before an administrative permit issues (none for dead or fire-hazard trees); Planning Commission hearing with 10-day mailed notice only if a protest or appeal is filed; Commission decisions appealable within 15 days. Permit valid 12 months, one 6-month extension.

Required. Every heritage tree removal permit unless the City Manager exempts it: 12.16.070(E) 'A report and recommendation from a qualified arborist shall be provided unless exempted by the City Manager.' The city page lists as a submittal requirement 'Central Marin Fire inspection report (for fire hazard trees) or a qualified arborist report (arborist certified by and in good standing with the International Society of Arboriculture) - contact staff for exceptions', so a fire-hazard tree can be supported by the fire inspection report instead. Diseased oaks: a qualified arborist report substantiating Sudden Oak Death is mandatory (12.16.070(M)). The City may also require the applicant to pay a City Arborist to monitor permitted work.

Expedited or fee-waived route. A listed fire-prone tree still needs the heritage tree permit, but once the Fire Code Official verifies it is a fire hazard the City Manager must grant the permit with the fee waived and no notice, findings or hearing (LMC 12.16.070(K)); the fee schedule also waives the fee for pyrophytic trees required for removal by the Fire Department.

Trunk circumference at 24 inches above grade. 50" circumference (any species) at 24" above natural grade

Exempt from the permit under 22.62.040 if the tree meets any one criterion: 'A. The general health of the tree is so poor due to disease, damage, or age that efforts to ensure its long-term health and survival are unlikely to be successful; B. The tree is infected by a pathogen or attacked by insects that threaten surrounding trees as determined by an arborist report or other qualified professional; C. The tree is a potential public health and safety hazard due to the risk of its falling and its structural instability cannot be remedied; D. The tree is a public nuisance by causing damage to improvements ... ; E. The tree has been identified by a Fire Inspector as a fire hazard'. The code adds: 'It is recommended that a property owner obtain a report from a licensed arborist or verify the status of the tree with photographs to document the applicability of the criteria'. No County pre-approval step is written into the exemption; the Director may later require a site plan or arborist's report to determine whether trees were removed in violation (22.27.080).

22.27.060: 'the Director may pursue an enforcement action in compliance with Chapter 22.122 (Enforcement of Development Code Provisions), and County Code Chapter 1.05 (Nuisance Abatement). The enforcement action may result in substantial fines for enforcement costs and civil penalties over and above any funds paid into the Tree Preservation Fund, the exact amount to be determined through the abatement process.' No per-tree fine schedule in the chapter; replacement at the Director's discretion (22.27.040) and in-lieu $500 per replacement tree.

No tree-specific timeline in Ch. 22.62; processing follows Ch. 22.40 (application filing, initial review of discretionary permits) and Ch. 22.118 noticing of administrative decisions. County project pages show stand-alone Tree Removal Permits decided administratively.

Sometimes required. Not mandated for a Tree Removal Permit application by Ch. 22.62 (applications follow Ch. 22.40 filing rules and the General Planning Permit Application). The code recommends one to document a 22.62.040 exemption: 'It is recommended that a property owner obtain a report from a licensed arborist or verify the status of the tree with photographs to document the applicability of the criteria listed above'; exemption B (pathogen or insect infestation threatening surrounding trees) applies 'as determined by an arborist report or other qualified professional'. The Director 'may conduct a site inspection and require a site plan or arborist's report to determine whether trees have been removed in violation of this chapter' (22.27.080). County decisions on design review/tree removal projects routinely rely on applicant arborist reports.

Exempt from the permit when the conditions are met. A protected or heritage tree 'identified by a Fire Inspector as a fire hazard' may be removed without a Tree Removal Permit (22.62.040.E); public-agency fuel-break work is also exempt (22.62.040.I), and replacement conditions defer to fire-district vegetation management requirements (22.27.040.A).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. Diameter at breast height: 6" for native oaks, madrone, Sargent cypress and willows; 10" for bay, redwood, Douglas-fir, maple, buckeye, alders and the other listed natives. Heritage size is 18" and 30" respectively.

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'

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

City-published processing time of up to 30 days. Notice periods: heritage-tree hearing notice mailed to owners within 300 ft at least 10 days before the hearing and posted on site; Director approvals of non-heritage trees noticed 10 days before the effective date.

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).

Fire hazard is a reason the city may approve a normal permit. Removing a tree 'to protect the public health and safety by reducing or eliminating fire danger' is one of the findings on which the city may grant the normal tree removal permit (MVMC 20.67.090(A)); there is no fire exemption, and only an immediate-threat tree can be removed on an emergency permit.

Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. Heritage: 65-95" circumference by species, at 4.5 ft

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)).

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.

No decision deadline in the code; public notice per 19.58 before action (a 10-day notice period per the City's handout as summarized in search results, not read directly); 10-calendar-day appeal period after approval before work may start, waivable for hazard trees and pyrophytes. Permit validity period not stated.

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)).

Expedited or fee-waived route. A permit is still required, but for a pyrophyte (Monterey pine, bishop pine, acacia or eucalyptus species) the Director may waive public notice and the 10-day appeal period and issue the permit immediately (NMC 17-1.4(e)(2)), and no notice is needed for removals already covered by an approved fire management plan (17-1.4(f)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 24 inches above grade. 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, dying and hazardous trees still need a Tree Alteration or Removal Permit, at a reduced fee ($278 for up to 3 'Dead, Dying, and/or Town Identified Hazardous Trees', $62 each additional; $0 in the right-of-way; Town Fee Schedule eff. 7/1/2026); tree condition (general health, damage, disease, danger of falling, proximity or damage to structures, utility interference) and 'fire hazards' are approval criteria (12.24.080(2)(a), (d)); trees in poor condition or creating a hazard to a building need only 2" of replacement trunk diameter (12.24.080(4)(c)). EMERGENCY: 'In the event of an emergency, when such tree poses an imminent threat to life or property, a peace officer or firefighter in their official capacity may exempt a property owner from a Tree Alteration or Removal Permit requirement in the absence of the Public Works Director. The Public Works Director shall be promptly notified of the nature of the emergency and action taken.' (12.24.070(3); same for unimproved parcels 12.24.060(3) and right-of-way 12.24.040(6)). Owners have a duty to keep trees safe and to secure or support a dangerous tree (12.24.030).

12.24.120: violation is a public nuisance; civil penalty 'one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day for each such action and day the violation occurs' (owner and contractor), capped at $100,000 per incident lasting 100 days or more, exclusive of administrative, attorney and arborist costs; or alternatively the appraised value of the tree (CTLA Guide for Plant Appraisal); remedial pruning and replacement per 12.24.080(4); unpaid amounts become a lien; the Town Council sets the penalty at a public hearing and may accept replanting as correction; a violating contractor forfeits the Town business license for two years. Fee schedule: 'Tree destruction (Muni code Chapter 12.24) $1,000 per day'; after-the-fact planning applications 3x fee.

Decision within 30 days of application (code); permit expires if work is not completed within six months of approval; replacement planting within 60 days of removal; incomplete or inactive applications may be denied after 90 days (60 days of applicant-requested continuance). No neighbor-notice period is specified for staff-level permits.

Required. Every Tree Alteration or Removal Permit application must include 'Justification for the removal of each tree proposed to be removed including a certified arborist's report describing the tree's condition and structure, unless waived by the town' (12.24.080(1)(d)); the Town's fact sheet (rev. 10/5/22): 'Applications for tree alteration/removal permits must include a completed tree alteration/removal application and a certified arborist report.' Development: a tree protection plan with a certified arborist's report is required where Significant or Protected trees may be impacted, mandatory for Hillside Lot and Hazard Zone Use Permits and at staff/Council discretion for subdivisions, variances, demolition, design review, grading and building permits (12.24.100). The Town Arborist reviews applications and 'If there is a conflict between arborists regarding the condition or structure of a tree, the town arborist's decision shall control' (12.24.080(4)). The Public Works Director may waive the report.

Fire hazard is a reason the city may approve a normal permit. A fire-hazard tree (designated in writing by the fire authority, a listed fire-prone species, or any tree within 5 ft of a house or structure) still needs the permit, but 'the alteration or removal is necessary due to fire hazards' is an approval criterion, hazard trees carry the reduced $278 fee and a 2-inch replacement requirement, and fire-safety spacing can justify an in-lieu fee instead of replanting.

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. Diameter at 4 ft 6 in (54") above average ground level: over 12" anywhere on an improved parcel; over 8" within 25 ft of the front or side line or 40 ft of the rear line; 6" or more on an unimproved parcel.

No dead-tree exemption in the code; tree condition (disease, danger of falling) is a decision factor (4-13.06(a)(1)). Emergency: 'In the event of any emergency in which a particular tree or heritage tree causes an immediate hazard or dangerous condition, such tree may be removed or cut back by permission of the Public Works Director, the Chief of Police, or Chief of the Fire Department or their respective department representatives without following the above described permit procedure' (4-13.06(b)). Town page: a tree verified by an arborist report to be dead, dying or dangerous can typically be approved immediately, and the fee may be waived.

'Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty either of an infraction or a misdemeanor shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by this Code' (4-13.08). Fee schedule: 'After the fact - Tree or Heritage Tree Removal Fine $2,370.03 Per tree Penalty $2,050 Maximum as determined by the Public Works Director' (FY 2026-27). No appraisal-based penalty or replacement formula in the chapter.

No decision deadline in the code. Written notice to owners within 300 feet once the application is complete; administrative hearing at least 10 days after the notice if objections are received; Town page: healthy trees get a 10-day neighbor notice, dead, dying or dangerous trees verified by an arborist report are typically approved immediately. No permit validity period stated.

Required. Every tree work permit (heritage tree, undeveloped-parcel tree or street tree): the Public Works page, the FAQ and the Supplemental Questionnaire for Tree Work Permit all state that an arborist's report and photographs are required before the application is complete. The code is narrower: 4-13.06(a) lets Public Works require 'such other pertinent information as the Public Works Department may require which may include a discussion of the need for the work by a qualified arborist', and the Parks Department Arborist may secure 'such expert advice deemed necessary' before deciding. A report verifying the tree is dead, dying or dangerous lets the Town approve immediately and may waive the fee.

No special treatment in the ordinance. Chapter 13 has no fire-safety or defensible-space exemption or finding; the only fire-related routes are the Fire Chief's emergency authorization for an immediate hazard (4-13.06(b)) and the permit-free removal of Council-designated nuisance species (acacia, eucalyptus, Monterey pine, plum, privet, liquidambar), and the Town's page notes that fuel reduction usually means limbing up and clearing ladder fuels rather than removing the tree.

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 22" DBH any species on developed lots (heritage tree) / 7" DBH any tree on undeveloped lots, at 4.5 ft

N/A, no private permit regime; defensible space enforced by Fire Dept

General code penalties only: infraction/misdemeanor <=$500; civil <=$500/day; admin <=$500/day capped $100k (Titles 1); street-tree violations = public nuisance (11.12.100); wildfire citations from $250

Not applicable; no published timeline (no private tree permit regime).

Not required. Not applicable: San Rafael has no private-property tree removal permit. SRMC Chapter 11.12 (Trees) regulates only trees 'in, upon or along any public street, sidewalk or walkway' and is administered by the Public Works Department. Title 14 (Zoning) chapter list (Municode, current through Supp. 37, online Aug 11, 2026) contains no tree-preservation or heritage-tree chapter; tree review arises only through discretionary development review (e.g., 14.12 Hillside overlay, 14.25 Environmental and Design Review) for development projects. Adopted-but-uncodified ordinances listed on Municode (Ords. 2058-2064, Feb-Jun 2026) do not include a tree ordinance.

No special treatment in the ordinance. San Rafael has no private tree removal permit (SRMC 11.12 regulates only trees in, upon or along public streets and sidewalks), so no fire exemption is needed; defensible space is enforced by the San Rafael Fire Department's Wildfire Mitigation team.

No dead-tree exemption (only 'routine pruning', the removal of dead parts, is exempt). Emergency: if personal injury or property damage is imminently threatened (likelihood of failure 'probable' or 'imminent' and risk 'high' or 'extreme' under ISA protocols) the Fire Chief, Chief of Police or City Engineer, in consultation with an arborist, may authorize removal without a permit; it must be reported to Community Development on the first business day after the work (11.12.030(F))

Tree-specific penalty section 11.12.050 'Enforcement and penalties' was repealed by Ord. 07-2025; no penalty remains in Ch. 11.12 (general code enforcement provisions of the SMC apply, not reviewed). Replacement with a desirable tree or a Council-set tree replacement fee is a condition of every removal permit (11.12.030(B)(2)); construction damage to a protected tree requires replacement on the same site (11.12.030(C)(5))

No decision deadline in the code. Complete applications are due at least 15 days before the next Planning Commission meeting (generally twice monthly); tags and application notice posted within 2 working days of filing and kept for 10 working days (code). Permit validity period not stated.

Required. Every tree removal/alteration permit application: SMC 11.12.030(A)(1)(a) requires the application to be accompanied by an arborist report; the City's Application Instructions state 'An arborist report is required for all applications' and the Arborist Report Requirements sheet prescribes its content (site plan with trunk location, DBH, height, driplines, species and appraised value; photographs; written report covering reasons, ISA appraised value, hazard, effects on neighboring vegetation and soil stability, stump/root removal, replacement suggestions). View claims also require an arborist report (11.12.040(C)(1)).

No special treatment in the ordinance. Sausalito's ordinance has no fire exemption; blue gum eucalyptus, Monterey pine, Monterey cypress, coast redwood and three acacias are 'undesirable trees' that are never protected (SMC 11.12.020), and otherwise a protected tree may be removed without a permit only when the Fire Chief, Police Chief or City Engineer, with an arborist, finds an imminent ISA high/extreme risk (11.12.030(F)).

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 4" DBH coast live oak (any private lot) / 10" DBH any other species on developed lots / 4" DBH any species on undeveloped lots, at 4.5 ft

Emergency removal/alteration authorized only by police chief, PW superintendent, planning director, or town manager (fire marshal DECLARES hazard but does not authorize), report next business day (15A-4(b)); permit ineffective for 10 days after grant (appeal window)

Public-nuisance abatement + full enforcement-cost recovery (15A-10); replacement up to 3:1 discretionary condition (15A-7(b)); no fine schedule in Ch. 15A

Director site inspection within 15 days of a complete application; courtesy notices mailed at least 10 days before the decision; permit not effective for 10 days after grant (appeal period); permit valid 180 days. No overall decision deadline is published.

Sometimes required. At Planning Director discretion: TMC 15A-5(b) lets the director require 'a report by a certified arborist satisfactory to the town, and/or a tree inventory' when reasonably necessary to make a determination, at applicant cost. The standard Tree Permit Application (Community Development Dept, with Land Development Application rev. 2026) does not list an arborist report among its required attachments (application form, aerial photo/site plan, ribbon-tagged tree photos, optional planting plan); it only advises contacting an arborist if the species is unknown. The director inspects the trees and site within 15 days (15A-6(c)).

Exempt from the permit when the conditions are met. If the fire marshal declares a tree a fire hazard, the chief of police, public works superintendent, planning director or town manager may authorize its removal without a permit; the removal must be reported to the planning director on the next business day (TMC 15A-4(b)).

Trunk circumference at 24 inches above grade. 60" circumference at 24" above ground (heritage); oaks any size