Tree Permits in Novato
Novato requires a permit to remove any species, native or non-native at 24″; any tree on an undeveloped parcel at 6″; council-designated heritage tree at any size; 1 more protected class. Measured as trunk diameter (DBH) at 24″ above grade. Arborist report required with the application. Permit fee see fee schedule. Verified October 21, 2026.
Last verified · fees checked · Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional WE-15750AF
Novato tree ordinance at a glance
| Code section | NMC Ch. XVII Trees and Shrubs, 17-1 Regulating Alteration or Removal of Trees on Private Property (Ord. 1441; Ord. 1576, 2012); 17-4 Violations; Zoning Division 19.39 Woodland and Tree Preservation (development) |
|---|---|
| Protected trees | Any species, native or non-native: 'heritage tree' = major trunk or trunks of 24 inches diameter (75 inches circumference) or more measured 24 inches above existing grade, or a Council-designated tree of special historical association, protected on every parcel; on 'undeveloped parcels' (any lot that can be further subdivided or developed, or has no primary structure) any 'tree' of 6 inches diameter (19 inches circumference) or more at 24 inches above grade also needs a permit. Dead or fallen trees and agency Sudden Oak Death control work are exempt. Pyrophytes (Monterey pine, bishop pine, acacia and eucalyptus species) still need the permit but the Director may skip notice and the appeal period. Native trees and woodlands in development projects are covered by 19.39 (75 percent retention, 3:1 replacement). |
| Size threshold | 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 17-1.2(c): '"Heritage tree" shall mean any native or non-native woody plant: (1) characterized by having a major trunk or trunks of a diameter of 24 inches (circumference of 75 inches) or more measured at 24 inches above existing grade; or (2) any other so designated by the city council'. 17-1.2(e): '"Tree" shall mean any woody native or non-native plant characterized by having a major trunk or trunks of a diameter of six inches (circumference of 19 inches) or more, measured at 24 inches above existing grade.' Unit is diameter, but measured at 24 inches above grade rather than breast height. 'Alter' means action 'that could reasonably be said to diminish the vigor of the tree' (17-1.2(a)). |
| Multi-trunk trees | Not stated: both definitions say 'a major trunk or trunks of a diameter of' the threshold, which does not say whether trunks are measured singly or combined (17-1.2(c), (e)); confirm with Planning |
| Dead or hazardous trees | 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)). |
| Fire-safety removals | Expedited 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)). source · all cities |
| Permit fee | Set in the City's Master Fee Schedule (the Tree Removal Guide says 'Filing fee (see the City's Master Fee Schedule for current rates)'); a Cost Recovery Form is required when removing more than 5 trees. Amount not verified: the Master Fee Schedule and the Tree Removal Informational Handout are served from novato.gov/novato.org 'showdocument' links that return 403 'Access Denied' to scripted fetching and open as a file download in the browser, and the Nov 19, 2024 fee-update staff report (7 pp.) lists no tree line. 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. Online portal application with site plan, photos and a certified-arborist letter; the Director decides after City-run 19.58 noticing with no posting or hearing unless staff refer it to the Planning Commission. Cost Recovery Form and likely deposit when more than 5 trees. Have it filed. |
| Penalties for removal without a permit | 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. |
| Arborist report | 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)). Who may write it: Guide: 'a certified arborist'. Code: 'a licensed tree surgeon, certified arborist, landscape architect or similarly licensed professional' (17-1.4(a), (e)(1)). |
| Who to call | Community Development Department, Planning Division, 922 Machin Avenue, Novato 94945; (415) 899-8989, planning@novato.gov; tree permits issued Monday-Thursday 9-11 a.m.; applications through the Novato Permits online portal (preferred) or in person; the Community Development Director decides (Planning Commission hearing if of sufficient public concern); appeals to the City Council · official page |
- : Fee schedule updated (current schedule): Set in the City's Master Fee Schedule (the Tree Removal Guide says 'Filing fee (see the City's Master Fee Schedule for current rates)'); a Cost Recovery Form is required…
Sources: library.municode.com · novato.gov · novato.granicus.com. Urban Forestry Guide is not a city line; for Novato permit questions use the department above.
Does my tree need a permit in Novato?
A permit is required when the tree is protected and meets the size rule. Novato measures trunk diameter (DBH) at 24″ above the ground.
- Any species, native or non-native (heritage tree): protected at 24″ diameter
- Any tree on an undeveloped parcel (further developable or no primary structure): protected at 6″ diameter (undeveloped parcel)
- Council-designated heritage tree: protected at any size
- Street tree (in or adjacent to the public right-of-way): protected at any size
Measured at 24 inches above existing grade, not at breast height. "Alter" means any action that could reasonably be said to diminish the vigor of the tree (17-1.2(a)); maintenance and minor pruning of heritage trees need no public notice (17-1.4(f)).
Planning Division Tree Removal Guide requires a site plan, photos and a signed certified-arborist letter with every application; the Director decides after 19.58 public notice; no work for 10 calendar days after approval (appeal window to the City Council).
Pyrophytes (Monterey pine, bishop pine, acacia and eucalyptus species) and removals under an approved fire management plan: permit still required but notice and appeal period may be waived (17-1.4(e)(2), (f)). Native trees in development projects: 75% retention and 3:1 replacement under Division 19.39.
Permit fee (Master Fee Schedule PDF not readable: novato.gov/novato.org document links return 403 and open as downloads).
Multi-trunk measurement (single or combined) not stated in 17-1.2.
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 Novato require an arborist report?
Yes. 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)).
Who may write it: Guide: 'a certified arborist'. Code: 'a licensed tree surgeon, certified arborist, landscape architect or similarly licensed professional' (17-1.4(a), (e)(1)).. None found on the Tree Removal Guide or Planning Division pages.
“Arborist Letter – a signed letter from a certified arborist describing the tree's condition, reason for removal, and professional recommendation.” source
How to get a tree removal permit in Novato
- Confirm a permit is needed: altering or removing a heritage tree (24 inches diameter / 75 inches circumference at 24 inches above grade, or Council-designated) on any parcel, or removing any tree of 6 inches diameter / 19 inches circumference on an undeveloped parcel. Dead or fallen trees and agency SOD control are exempt; street trees and trees overhanging the right-of-way need a Public Works/Community Development street-tree permit under 17-3 (17-1.2, 17-1.3, 17-3.6). source
- Collect the Tree Removal Informational Handout, the Tree Permit Application Form (application type 'Tree Permit') and, if removing more than 5 trees, the Cost Recovery Form; prepare a site plan (bird's-eye view with property lines, structures and each tree), full-tree and close-up photos, and a signed certified-arborist letter on the tree's condition, reason for removal and recommendation (Tree Removal Guide). source
- Submit through the Novato Permits online portal (create an account, apply under Planning Division, upload the documents, pay the invoiced filing fee per the Master Fee Schedule) or in person at the Planning counter, 922 Machin Avenue, Monday-Thursday 9-11 a.m. The code requires the application to state the number, species and trunk diameter at 24 inches of each tree, the reason, and who will do the work (17-1.4(a); Guide). source
- On a complete application the Director decides whether the matter warrants a Planning Commission hearing; public notice under zoning section 19.58 is required before any action on a removal permit, except for maintenance or minor pruning of heritage trees or removals already covered by a noticed action, hearing or approved fire management plan (17-1.4(b), (f)). source
- The permit may be granted if the tree, because of its size, type, condition and location, is a hazard to people, structures or reasonable use of the property through poor health or instability, or a nuisance damaging foundations, retaining walls, utilities, drainage, roads, sidewalks, driveways, patios or decks; conditions may include root protection zones, grading limits, barricades, on-site inspection by a tree specialist and 'replacing removed trees with trees of reasonably comparable quality' (17-1.4(c)). source
- No work for 10 calendar days after the permit is granted, during which any interested party may appeal to the City Council under zoning section 19.54. The Director may waive notice and the appeal period and issue the permit immediately for a professionally verified dying, diseased or damaged hazard tree, for pyrophytes (Monterey pine, bishop pine, acacia and eucalyptus species), or for public-agency maintenance (17-1.4(d), (e); 17-1.5). source
| Timeline | 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. “If the permit is granted, there shall be no alteration or removal undertaken for a ten-calendar-day period during which time the decision may be appealed in accordance with the provisions of this section.” source |
|---|---|
| Appeal | 17-1.5: 'Any decision on a tree permit made by the director of planning commission [sic] may be appealed by any interested party to the city council. Such appeal shall be submitted and reviewed in compliance with section 19.54 of the zoning ordinance.' The 10-calendar-day no-work period after approval is the appeal window (17-1.4(d)); appeal fee per the Master Fee Schedule (not read). “Any decision on a tree permit made by the director of planning commission may be appealed by any interested party to the city council.” source |
| Replacement | Private tree permits: a discretionary condition, 'requirements for replacing removed trees with trees of reasonably comparable quality' (17-1.4(c)); no ratio. Development on land with native tree, forest or woodland resources (19.39): retain at least 75 percent of existing native trees, no net loss where feasible, and replacement 'not less than 3:1' with on-site or Novato-watershed mitigation and a funded long-term maintenance plan (19.39.040). source |
| Forms | Tree Removal Guide (Planning Division page: required documents, portal submittal, counter hours) · Tree Removal Informational Handout (PDF; download-only link, not readable by this research) · Tree Permit Application Form (Planning application form PDF; download-only link) · Master Fee Schedule page (links to the schedule PDF; download-only) · NMC Chapter XVII Trees and Shrubs (Municode) · NMC Division 19.39 Woodland and Tree Preservation (development projects) |
Process verified October 21, 2026 against the city's code, forms and department pages.
Frequently asked questions about tree permits in Novato
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Novato?
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)).
What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in Novato?
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.
How long does a tree removal permit take in Novato?
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.
Does Novato require an arborist report for a tree removal permit?
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)).
Can I remove a tree for fire safety in Novato without a permit?
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)).
How does Novato measure a tree for the permit threshold?
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
Tree permits in nearby cities
Belvedere · Corte Madera · Fairfax · Larkspur · Marin County (unincorporated) · Mill Valley · Ross · San Anselmo
Compare all 56 cities in the 56-city ordinance table, or run the permit checker.
Not sure what Novato 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.