Tree Permits in Larkspur
Larkspur requires a permit to remove any species (heritage tree) at 50″; council-designated heritage tree or grove at any size; any tree in the public right-of-way at any size. Measured as trunk circumference at 24″ above grade. Arborist report required with the application. Permit fee from $239. Verified October 21, 2026.
Last verified · fees checked · Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional WE-15750AF
Larkspur tree ordinance at a glance
| Code section | LMC Ch. 12.16 Trees, Including Heritage Trees (Ord. 772, 1988; Ord. 1030, 2018; Ord. 1043, 2020; Ord. 1062, 2022; Ord. 1069, 2023) |
|---|---|
| Protected trees | Any species: 'heritage tree' = any live tree with a trunk circumference of 50 inches or more measured at 24 inches above natural grade (or above the highest grade, whichever gives the greater circumference), plus any tree or grove designated by City Council action. Multi-trunk: add the circumference of every trunk. 'Fire-prone trees' (acacia over 50 ft, arborvitae, California bay, bishop pine, cedars, Coulter pine, cypress, Douglas fir, blue gum and red gum eucalyptus, false cypress, gray pine, junipers, knobcone pine, larch, Monterey pine, Scots pine, spruces, Torrey pine, yew) still need the permit but get a fee-waived, no-notice permit once the Fire Code Official verifies a fire hazard. Trees under 50 inches circumference need no permit unless in the public right-of-way. |
| Size threshold | 50" circumference (any species) at 24" above natural grade 12.16.010: 'any live tree which has a trunk with a circumference of fifty (50) inches or more, measured at twenty-four (24) inches above the natural grade, or at a point twenty-four (24) inches above the highest grade. The measurement producing the greatest circumference shall be used.' City page: '50" circumference (not diameter) or more at 24" (2 feet) above grade'. Pruning beyond ISA/ANSI best-practice guidelines on a heritage tree also needs the permit (12.16.060(A), 12.16.070(C)). |
| Multi-trunk trees | Multi-trunk trees: measure each trunk at 24 inches and add the circumferences; the total is the tree's circumference (12.16.010 'Heritage tree') |
| Dead or hazardous trees | 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)). |
| Fire-safety removals | Expedited 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. source · all cities |
| Permit fee (FY 2026-27) | Heritage Tree Removal Permit - Administrative: $239 flat fee (FY 2026-27, effective July 1, 2026); $234 in FY 2025-26 (the Planning Department's Tree Removal Permits page still quotes '$234 (2025-26) Fee (no fee for hazard or dead trees)'). Fee waived for emergency removals (immediate hazard per the City Manager) and for pyrophytic trees required for removal by the Fire Department (schedule note [b]); heritage tree removal with a Planning Commission entitlement is a $459 add-on entitlement, waived when required by the Fire Department for vegetation management (note [c]). Appeals: to the Planning Commission or of a City Manager decision to Council $1,000 applicant / $750 non-applicant. fee schedule |
| Permit filing by this practice | $750 flat for one tree, $600 with an arborist report or if you post the notice yourself; city fee above is extra. eTRAKiT application with the arborist (or Central Marin Fire) report and a site plan; staff and the city arborist inspect, the City mails the 300-ft notice and the City Manager decides. Ribbons only 'if necessary'. A Planning Commission hearing (tier C) only if a neighbor protests or the removal is for construction. Have it filed. |
| Penalties for removal without a permit | 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) |
| Arborist report | 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. Who may write it: 'Qualified arborist' means any arborist certified by and in good standing with the International Society of Arboriculture (12.16.010). The City Manager's designee 'may not be affiliated with any tree company involved in the project' (12.16.010). |
| Who to call | Planning Division, Community Development Department, 400 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur 94939; (415) 927-5038, planning@cityoflarkspur.org; applications filed on eTRAKiT; City Manager (or designee) decides administrative permits, Planning Commission decides removals tied to construction and protested permits; Code Enforcement (415) 927-5125; Central Marin Fire verifies fire-prone trees · official page |
- : Fee schedule updated (FY 2026-27): Heritage Tree Removal Permit - Administrative: $239 flat fee (FY 2026-27, effective July 1, 2026); $234 in FY 2025-26 (the Planning Department's Tree Removal Permits…
Sources: larkspur.municipal.codes · larkspur.ca.gov. Urban Forestry Guide is not a city line; for Larkspur permit questions use the department above.
Does my tree need a permit in Larkspur?
A permit is required when the tree is protected and meets the size rule. Larkspur measures trunk circumference at 24″ above the ground.
- Any species (heritage tree): protected at 50″ circumference
- Council-designated heritage tree or grove: protected at any size
- Any tree in the public right-of-way: protected at any size
- Multi-trunk trees: measure each trunk at 24" and add the circumferences; 50" total is a heritage tree (12.16.010).
Pruning a heritage tree beyond ISA/ANSI best-practice guidelines needs the same permit (12.16.060(A), 12.16.070(C)).
Fire-prone species (acacia over 50 ft, arborvitae, California bay, bishop pine, cedars, Coulter pine, cypress, Douglas fir, blue gum and red gum eucalyptus, false cypress, gray pine, junipers, knobcone pine, larch, Monterey pine, Scots pine, spruces, Torrey pine, yew): permit granted by the City Manager with the fee waived and no further procedure once the Fire Code Official verifies a fire hazard (12.16.070(K)).
ISA-certified arborist report required unless the City Manager exempts it; a Central Marin Fire inspection report substitutes for fire-hazard trees. Fee $239 (FY 2026-27), waived for hazard, dead and fire-prone trees. 300-ft mailed notice with a 15-day protest window; Planning Commission hearing only on protest or for construction removals.
Check my tree in the permit checker
Street trees, city-designated heritage trees and trees required by a development approval are protected at any size in every city. Trees on lot lines belong to both owners.
Does Larkspur require an arborist report?
Yes. 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.
Who may write it: 'Qualified arborist' means any arborist certified by and in good standing with the International Society of Arboriculture (12.16.010). The City Manager's designee 'may not be affiliated with any tree company involved in the project' (12.16.010).. None. 'City Arborist' means any qualified arborist chosen by the City (12.16.010); the City's consulting arborist inspects, the applicant's own ISA-certified arborist writes the report.
“A report and recommendation from a qualified arborist shall be provided unless exempted by the City Manager.” municipal code
How to get a tree removal permit in Larkspur
- Confirm the tree is a heritage tree: trunk circumference of 50 inches or more measured 24 inches above natural grade (or above the highest grade, whichever is greater), adding all trunks of a multi-trunk tree, or a Council-designated tree. Removal, pruning beyond ISA/ANSI best-practice guidelines, or any action that materially changes the tree's physical circumstances needs the permit (12.16.010, 12.16.060, 12.16.070(A)). source
- Obtain a report and recommendation from an ISA-certified qualified arborist (required unless the City Manager exempts it; for a fire-hazard fire-prone tree a Central Marin Fire inspection report substitutes; for a Sudden Oak Death oak the arborist report must substantiate the disease) and a site plan showing adjacent or proposed buildings and the type, number and location of the trees (12.16.070(D), (E), (M)). source
- File the Heritage Tree Removal Permit Application on eTRAKiT with the arborist or fire report, the site plan and the fee ($239 FY 2026-27; waived for immediate-hazard, dead and fire-prone trees). Identify the trees with ribbons if asked. Removals proposed because of construction go to the Planning Commission instead of the City Manager (12.16.070(C), (D), (G)). source
- Staff, the city consulting arborist and/or Central Marin Fire inspect the tree; staff determine whether the two mandatory findings (no adverse effect on topography, erosion or surface water; no adverse effect on health, safety and welfare given the neighborhood's trees) plus one of the two alternative findings (hazard from disease, falling, proximity to structures or utilities; or unreasonable interference with investment-backed expectations) can be made, and whether the removal is CEQA-exempt (12.16.070(F)). source
- If the City Manager intends to approve, notice is mailed to all property owners within 300 feet stating the permit will issue unless a written protest is received within 15 days, and a notice is posted on the tree; no notice for dead or fire-hazard trees. A written protest, or an owner's appeal of a denial, sends the application to a noticed Planning Commission public hearing (10-day mailed notice to owners within 300 feet, notice on the tree); the Commission makes the same findings and may add conditions, and its decision may be appealed within 15 days (12.16.070(I), (J)). source
- Fire-prone trees: apply on the same form; once the Fire Code Official investigates and verifies the tree is a fire hazard, the City Manager grants the permit, the fee is waived and 'no further procedures under this chapter are applicable' (12.16.070(K)). The permit is valid 12 months with one 6-month extension by the City Manager (12.16.070(H)); the Planning Commission may require replacement trees for construction removals (12.16.070(G)). Schedule the work outside bird nesting season (September-February recommended by the city). source
| Timeline | 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. “Permits issued under this section shall be valid for twelve (12) months. One permit extension of six (6) months may be authorized by the City Manager.” source |
|---|---|
| Appeal | 12.16.070(J): a written protest within the 15-day notice period, or the property owner's appeal of a City Manager denial, triggers a public hearing before the Planning Commission; 'Any decision rendered by the Planning Commission may be appealed within fifteen (15) days' (to the City Council under the City's general appeal procedure). Appeal fees (FY 2026-27): appeals to the Planning Commission or of a City Manager decision to the City Council $1,000 applicant / $750 non-applicant. “In the event that a written protest is submitted to the City within the time limits prescribed in subsection (I) of this section, or if a property owner wishes to appeal the City Manager's decision to deny a permit, a public hearing shall be set before the Planning Commission” source |
| Replacement | No fixed ratio. Planning Commission permits for construction removals: 'The Planning Commission may require replacement trees in a reasonable number depending on the type and size of the tree(s) removed and the recommendations of a qualified arborist' (12.16.070(G)). Illegal removal: mandatory replacement 'with a new tree and/or additional plantings of the same species', size and location set by the City Manager (12.16.080(B)). The Master Tree List guides species choice on private property (12.16.030). source |
| Forms | Tree Removal Permits (Planning Division page: submittal requirements, review process, fee, fire-hazard and SOD streamlined permits, penalties) · Heritage Tree Removal Permit Application (filed on eTRAKiT; the city's online permit portal) · Schedule of User and Regulatory Fees, effective July 1, 2026 (FY 2026-27) · LMC Chapter 12.16 Trees, Including Heritage Trees |
Process verified October 21, 2026 against the city's code, forms and department pages.
Frequently asked questions about tree permits in Larkspur
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Larkspur?
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)).
What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in Larkspur?
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)
How long does a tree removal permit take in Larkspur?
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.
Does Larkspur require an arborist report for a tree removal permit?
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.
Can I remove a tree for fire safety in Larkspur without a permit?
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.
How does Larkspur measure a tree for the permit threshold?
Trunk circumference at 24 inches above grade. 50" circumference (any species) at 24" above natural grade
Tree permits in nearby cities
Belvedere · Corte Madera · Fairfax · Marin County (unincorporated) · Mill Valley · Novato · Ross · San Anselmo
Compare all 56 cities in the 56-city ordinance table, or run the permit checker.
Not sure what Larkspur will ask for?
A 20-minute call with an ISA Certified Arborist usually settles it: permit or no permit, report or no report, and what it will cost.