Tree Permits in Mill Valley
Mill Valley requires a permit to remove tanbark oak at 65″ circumference; oak (Quercus) or madrone at 75″ circumference; coast redwood at 95″ circumference; 1 more protected class. Measured as trunk circumference at 54″ above grade. Arborist report required with the application. Permit fee from $1,401. Verified July 31, 2026.
Last verified · fees checked · Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional WE-15750AF
Mill Valley tree ordinance at a glance
| Code section | MVMC Ch. 20.67 (Trees on Privately Owned Property, Ord. 1291) |
|---|---|
| Protected trees | Heritage (4 species by circumference): tanbark oak 65"; oak (Quercus) 75"; madrone 75"; coast redwood 95" (+ Council-designated). Non-heritage triggers: 4+ trees >19" circ (~6") removed per 12 months on developed parcels; any tree >12.5" circ (~4") on vacant parcels; removal includes >1/3 foliage in 12 months |
| Size threshold | Heritage: 65-95" circumference by species, at 4.5 ft |
| Multi-trunk trees | Per circumference definitions |
| Dead or hazardous trees | 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' |
| Fire-safety removals | 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. Conditions: Normal permit (heritage trees: noticed Zoning Administrator hearing); the applicant must show removal is necessary to reduce or eliminate fire danger; a tree report may be required. Emergency permit (20.67.080) only if the tree 'poses an immediate threat to the safety of persons or property', with notice/hearing waived and removal within seven days. source · all cities |
| Permit fee (FY 2026-27) | Tree Removal: Heritage Tree - Regular $1,401 per tree; Heritage Tree - Diseased (e.g., sudden oak death) $119 per tree; Non-Heritage Tree Removal $119 per tree; Peer Review (Arborist Report) $580 per tree; Planning hourly rate $185. No Southern Marin Fire District fee on tree permits (N/A). Input said 'amount unverified'. fee schedule |
| Permit filing by this practice | Quoted after a call: routine permits in Mill Valley go to a hearing. A heritage tree (the normal single-tree trigger) goes to a noticed Zoning Administrator public hearing and 'the applicant or representative must attend' (one hearing trip); who posts the on-site poster is not stated. How permit filing works. |
| Penalties for removal without a permit | 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 |
| Arborist report | 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). Who may write it: ISA Certified Arborist, 'independent of the City's arborist consultant (Urban Forestry Associates)' (application form). Code 20.67.040: 'certified arborist'. Code definition of 'Tree Report'/'Arborist Report' (20.67.020) describes a report by a certified arborist selected and retained by the City but paid by the applicant. |
| Who to call | Planning & Building (415) 388-4033; public trees: Public Works Parks (12.04.040) · official page |
- : Fee schedule updated (FY 2026-27): Tree Removal: Heritage Tree - Regular $1,401 per tree; Heritage Tree - Diseased (e.g., sudden oak death) $119 per tree; Non-Heritage Tree Removal $119 per tree; Peer…
Sources: ecode360.com · cityofmillvalley.gov. Urban Forestry Guide is not a city line; for Mill Valley permit questions use the department above.
Does my tree need a permit in Mill Valley?
A permit is required when the tree is protected and meets the size rule. Mill Valley measures trunk circumference at 54″ above the ground.
- Tanbark oak: protected at 65″ circumference
- Oak (Quercus) or madrone: protected at 75″ circumference
- Coast redwood: protected at 95″ circumference
- Any tree on a vacant parcel: protected at 12.5″ circumference (vacant parcel)
Removing four or more trees over 19" circumference within 12 months on a developed parcel also triggers a permit. Removing more than a third of the foliage in 12 months counts as removal.
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 Mill Valley require an arborist report?
Yes. 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).
Who may write it: ISA Certified Arborist, 'independent of the City's arborist consultant (Urban Forestry Associates)' (application form). Code 20.67.040: 'certified arborist'. Code definition of 'Tree Report'/'Arborist Report' (20.67.020) describes a report by a certified arborist selected and retained by the City but paid by the applicant.. Code 20.67.250(A)(6) directs the Planning Department to maintain a list of 'qualified tree care professionals' who have signed affidavits (this is a contractor list for liability purposes, not an approved arborist-report author list); no list found linked on the Tree Removal or Forms pages.
“Arborist Report. An arborist report prepared by and signed by an ISA certified arborist explaining the condition of the tree(s), reasons for removal, and any proposed tree protection measures, if applicable.” city application form
How to get a tree removal permit in Mill Valley
- Confirm a permit is needed: any heritage tree (tanbark oak 65 in. circumference, oak 75 in., madrone 75 in., coast redwood 95 in., or Council-designated), four or more non-heritage trees over 19 in. circumference on a developed lot in 12 months, or any tree over 12.5 in. circumference on a vacant lot; 'removal' includes taking more than one-third of the foliage in 12 months. source
- Submit the Planning Application Form and the Supplemental Application for Tree Removal Permit with photographs, a basic site plan showing location, species and circumference of each tree, and an arborist report prepared and signed by an ISA Certified Arborist independent of the City's consultant (Urban Forestry Associates); applications tied to design review, construction or grading need a detailed site plan of all trees within 50 feet of the work. File with the Planning Department, 26 Corte Madera Ave., planning@cityofmillvalley.org, (415) 388-4033. source
- Pay the fee in full at filing under the 2026 Planning Division Fee Schedule (effective July 1, 2026): Heritage Tree - Regular $1,401 per tree; Heritage Tree - Diseased (sudden oak death, beetle, etc.) $119 per tree; Non-Heritage Tree Removal $119 per tree; Peer Review of the arborist report $580 per tree if the City retains its consultant. source
- Heritage trees: the Zoning Administrator holds a public hearing; notice is mailed to property owners within 300 feet at least 10 days before the meeting and a notice poster is displayed on site and on the trees; the applicant or representative must attend. Non-heritage/multiple-tree permits: the Director of Planning and Building decides, with notice of the approval mailed to owners within 300 feet 10 days before the decision's effective date and posters on the trees (MVMC 20.67.050, 20.67.055). source
- Decision on the 20.67.090 criteria (fire/safety hazard, utility interference, views and sunlight, tree health, reasonable development); the City may require a tree report before deciding; conditions include replanting; the city says to allow up to 30 days for processing and approval. source
- After the 10-calendar-day appeal period, remove the tree and plant required replacement trees (24-inch box, Marin-native species, on site) within 60 days of removal or before final inspection, and maintain them for five years (MVMC 20.67.150). source
| Timeline | 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. “Please allow up to 30 days for the process and approval of these tree permits.” source |
|---|---|
| Appeal | MVMC 20.67.200: any person aggrieved by a tree removal permit decision may appeal to the Planning Commission under Ch. 20.100, which requires a written appeal filed at City Hall by 5:00 p.m. on the 10th calendar day after the action (20.100.080); Planning Commission decisions may be appealed to the City Council; hearing within 60 days. Appeal fee (2026 schedule): Director/Zoning Administrator decision $917, Planning Commission decision $1,140. “The applicant or any interested party may appeal any decision by the City within ten calendar days of the decision by filing an appeal with the Planning Department.” source |
| Replacement | MVMC 20.67.120: non-heritage trees removed with a development permit are replanted at a minimum 1:1; for each six inches or fraction thereof of the diameter of a removed heritage tree, three trees of the same genus and species (or another native species if approved) are planted on the project site. MVMC 20.67.150: replacement trees must be on site unless infeasible, Marin-native, minimum 24-inch box, planted within 60 days of removal or before final inspection, and maintained five years; if planted off site the City may accept an in-lieu payment of $300 per 24-inch box tree or the actual cost to purchase and install, whichever is greater. source |
| Forms | Supplemental Application for Tree Removal Permit (Planning Department; includes review procedure and criteria; also linked from the Tree Removal page as DocumentCenter/View/4752) · Planning Application Form (main application, submitted with the supplemental form) · Summary of Mill Valley Tree Regulations (MVMC 20.67), updated 08/07/2023 · 2026 Planning Division Fee Schedule, effective July 1, 2026 · Tree Removal page (Planning & Building) |
Process verified October 9, 2026 against the city's code, forms and department pages.
The Permit Process: Step by Step
Determine if a permit is required
Contact Planning and Building at (415) 388-4033 or planning@cityofmillvalley.gov to determine if your tree is heritage. Heritage trees are tanbark oak (65-inch circumference), oak (75-inch), madrone (75-inch), and coast redwood (95-inch), measured 4.5 feet above ground, plus any tree designated by City Council resolution. On developed lots, a permit is required to remove four or more trees over 19-inch circumference (about 6-inch diameter, measured 4-1/2 feet above ground) in any 12-month period (MVMC § 20.67.075). On vacant parcels, any tree over 12-1/2-inch circumference (about 4-inch diameter, measured 4-1/2 feet above ground) may not be cut without a tree removal permit (MVMC § 20.67.070).
Get an arborist assessment
If removal is sought because the tree is dead or diseased, or to benefit the health of the tree or its neighbors, the application must include a supporting report from a certified arborist (MVMC § 20.67.040). The city's Supplemental Application for a Tree Removal Permit also lists an arborist report among its requirements.
Submit the application to Planning
File the tree removal application with the Mill Valley Planning and Building Department. Include the arborist report, site photos, property map, and your proposed replacement plan (species, size, planting location).
City review and notice
The city may require a tree report or have its consulting arborist peer-review yours at applicant cost before deciding. Every heritage tree removal permit requires a noticed public hearing before the Zoning Administrator (MVMC § 20.67.050); non-heritage approvals are administrative but require 10-day mailed notice to owners within 300 feet (§ 20.67.055). Allow up to 30 days per the Planning Division; heritage removals also require a noticed public hearing.
Receive approval and schedule work
Once approved, you'll receive conditions of approval, typically including replacement tree species, size, and planting location. Schedule removal with a licensed, insured tree service and keep the permit on site during work.
Plant replacement trees and comply
Mill Valley requires replacement planting as a permit condition. Heritage removals require 3 replacement trees per 6 inches of trunk diameter; non-heritage removals 1:1 (3:1 if removed illegally). Plant the approved species and size within the specified timeframe. The Planning Department may inspect to confirm compliance.
Arborist Notes: Mill Valley
Sudden oak death is the first question
In my experience, two things decide a Mill Valley tree job: sudden oak death and fire safety. Heritage status is by circumference at 4.5 feet, 65 inches for tanbark oak, 75 for other oaks and madrone, 95 for coast redwood. For a clean oak, preventive phosphonate treatment is worth discussing.
Redwoods in the canyons
The biggest mistake I see is over-pruning a heritage redwood to let in light. Taking more than a third of the foliage in 12 months counts as removal under the ordinance. Without a permit that is code enforcement and at least $5,000 per heritage tree, or replacement value if higher. It also kills the appraised value.
Fire clearance and the four-tree count
Defensible space work still runs through Planning and Building. On a developed parcel, removing four or more trees over 19 inches circumference, about 6 inches diameter, within 12 months needs a permit. On a vacant parcel any tree over 12.5 inches circumference is covered. Count before you thin.
When to call me
The application lists an arborist report for every private removal permit. The code requires one when the reason is death, disease or tree health. Heritage removals go to a noticed Zoning Administrator hearing, and the city may peer-review the report at your cost. The report must come from an ISA Certified Arborist independent of the city's consultant.
Mill Valley neighborhoods: canopy, fire exposure and species
Tap a neighborhood for canopy cover, fire and pest exposure, and common species. Permit facts shown here come from the verified table above.
Select a neighborhood to explore its canopy profile.
Frequently asked questions about tree permits in Mill Valley
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Mill Valley?
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' (verified 2026-07-31)
What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in Mill Valley?
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 (verified 2026-07-31)
How long does a tree removal permit take in Mill Valley?
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. (verified 2026-07-31)
Does Mill Valley require an arborist report for a tree removal permit?
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). (verified 2026-07-31)
Can I remove a tree for fire safety in Mill Valley without a permit?
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. (verified 2026-07-31)
How does Mill Valley measure a tree for the permit threshold?
Trunk circumference at 54 inches above grade. Heritage: 65-95" circumference by species, at 4.5 ft (verified 2026-07-31)
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Mill Valley?
Yes for heritage trees. On developed lots, a permit is required to remove four or more trees over 19-inch circumference (about 6-inch diameter, measured 4-1/2 feet above ground) in any 12-month period (MVMC § 20.67.075). On vacant parcels, any tree over 12-1/2-inch circumference (about 4-inch diameter, measured 4-1/2 feet above ground) may not be cut without a tree removal permit (MVMC § 20.67.070). Contact the Planning and Building Department at (415) 388-4033 or planning@cityofmillvalley.gov. Heritage tree removal requires a noticed public hearing before the Zoning Administrator and replacement planting of three trees per six inches of trunk diameter (MVMC § 20.67.150). Mill Valley counts pruning as removal when it takes more than one-third of a tree's foliage in any 12-month period (MVMC § 20.67.020), so heavy pruning of a protected tree can require a tree removal permit.
Is Mill Valley in a fire hazard zone?
Large portions of Mill Valley fall within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, expanded under the State Fire Marshal's March 2025 maps adopted locally; check your parcel on the city's adopted FHSZ map before planning tree work. Homeowners are required to maintain defensible space and may need to remove fire-prone vegetation. California law requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures. Defensible space evaluations in Mill Valley are handled through the Southern Marin Fire Protection District, which absorbed the Mill Valley Fire Department after the 2022 consolidation; contact (415) 388-8182 or prevention@smfd.org.
What is Sudden Oak Death and does it affect Mill Valley?
Sudden Oak Death (SOD) caused by Phytophthora ramorum is prevalent in Mill Valley, particularly affecting coast live oaks and tanoaks. Early detection and phosphonate injections can help protect susceptible trees. Prevention is more cost-effective than removal. Preventive treatments run $200 to $500 per tree annually.
How often should I prune my trees in Mill Valley?
Most species benefit from pruning every 3 to 5 years. Redwoods and fast-growing bays may need attention every 2 to 3 years. Oaks should only be pruned during the dry season (June to October) to minimize Sudden Oak Death risk. Storm damage pruning can happen year-round.
Do I need defensible space clearance?
Yes. State law requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures. Defensible space evaluations in Mill Valley are handled through the Southern Marin Fire Protection District, which absorbed the Mill Valley Fire Department after the 2022 consolidation; contact (415) 388-8182 or prevention@smfd.org. Budget $2,000 to $8,000 for initial work and $800 to $2,500 annually for maintenance.
What trees grow best in Mill Valley?
Coast live oaks, coast redwoods, California bay laurel, and madrone thrive in Mill Valley's microclimate. For planting, native species adapted to fog and hillside conditions perform best. Avoid water-heavy species and fire-prone imports like eucalyptus.
Tree permits in nearby cities
Belvedere · Corte Madera · Fairfax · Larkspur · Marin County (unincorporated) · Novato · Ross · San Anselmo
Compare all 56 cities in the 56-city ordinance table, or run the permit checker.
Not sure what Mill Valley 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.