Tree Permits in Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill requires a permit to remove native oak or indigenous tree at 9″ diameter; non-native tree at 18″ diameter. Measured as trunk diameter (DBH) at 54″ above grade. Arborist report required with the application. Permit fee from $166. Verified October 9, 2026.
Last verified · fees checked · Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional WE-15750AF
Pleasant Hill tree ordinance at a glance
| Code section | PHMC Ch. 18.100 (Tree Preservation; Ord. 978 adopted 11/17/2025, recodified from 18.50) |
|---|---|
| Protected trees | Native oak/indigenous trees: 9"+ dia. Non-native trees (EXCLUDING eucalyptus and palms): 18"+ dia. Heritage program: enrolled native/indigenous trees >=16" eligible (no removal except hazard/disease) |
| Size threshold | 9" (natives) / 18" (non-natives), diameter at 54" (DBH) |
| Multi-trunk trees | Per DBH definition |
| Dead or hazardous trees | Hazardous-tree emergency removal is exempt from the prior-permit requirement (PHMC 18.100.040(C)): notify the City Manager and file the permit application within five days after removal. Non-emergency dead or diseased trees: apply first; arborist report required; Zoning Administrator decides. |
| Fire-safety removals | 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). Conditions: Normal permit with a certified arborist letter report (18.100.030(D)); the tree should be in a high fire hazard area, close to a structure, and removal necessary for defensible space under fire-safety law or Contra Costa County Fire Protection District requirements. source · all cities |
| Permit fee (FY 2026-27) | Tree Removal Permits $166 ($213 per hour if more than five trees); Cost Recovery Agreement required if more than five trees; Appeal to City Council $464, to Board/Commission $398. Input had no dollar figure ('Per fee schedule'). Note: fee schedule still cites 'PHMC 18.50.110' (pre-recodification section). 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 or counter filing of the Development Review application with a Tree Condition Evaluation Report; Zoning Administrator decides with no notice or posting (referral to a commission is discretionary). Have it filed. |
| Penalties for removal without a permit | Civil penalty <=$1,000 per tree or replacement value of each tree (18.100.090(A)) + replacement: native removals >=two 15-gal on site; non-native >=one 15-gal (18.100) |
| Arborist report | Required. Every tree removal permit application (PHMC 18.100.030.D). Exception: for a Zoning Administrator determination that a tree is dead (no permit, no fee), an arborist report is only required 'if deemed necessary' (18.100.040.F.1). Emergency hazardous-tree removal is exempt from a prior permit but a permit must be submitted within five days (18.100.040.C). Discretionary development with protected-tree removal also requires a tree preservation and replacement plan with an arborist report (18.100.050). Third-party peer review by a certified arborist/BCMA/RCA may be required at applicant cost (18.100.030.F). Who may write it: Code: 'certified arborist' (18.100.030.D). Submittal-requirements sheet is broader: 'an independent report by a certified arborist, licensed landscape architect or other professional approved by the Zoning Administrator'. Peer review: certified arborist, board certified master arborist, or registered consulting arborist. |
| Who to call | Planning Division (925) 671-5209 (phillca.gov) · official page |
- : Fee schedule updated (FY 2026-27): Tree Removal Permits $166 ($213 per hour if more than five trees); Cost Recovery Agreement required if more than five trees; Appeal to City Council $464, to…
Sources: ecode360.com · selfservice.pleasanthillca.org · phillca.gov. Urban Forestry Guide is not a city line; for Pleasant Hill permit questions use the department above.
Does my tree need a permit in Pleasant Hill?
A permit is required when the tree is protected and meets the size rule. Pleasant Hill measures trunk diameter (DBH) at 54″ above the ground.
- Native oak or indigenous tree: protected at 9″ diameter
- Non-native tree (except eucalyptus and palms): protected at 18″ diameter
- Eucalyptus and palms: exempt. Not protected.
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 Pleasant Hill require an arborist report?
Yes. Every tree removal permit application (PHMC 18.100.030.D). Exception: for a Zoning Administrator determination that a tree is dead (no permit, no fee), an arborist report is only required 'if deemed necessary' (18.100.040.F.1). Emergency hazardous-tree removal is exempt from a prior permit but a permit must be submitted within five days (18.100.040.C). Discretionary development with protected-tree removal also requires a tree preservation and replacement plan with an arborist report (18.100.050). Third-party peer review by a certified arborist/BCMA/RCA may be required at applicant cost (18.100.030.F).
Who may write it: Code: 'certified arborist' (18.100.030.D). Submittal-requirements sheet is broader: 'an independent report by a certified arborist, licensed landscape architect or other professional approved by the Zoning Administrator'. Peer review: certified arborist, board certified master arborist, or registered consulting arborist.. none found; code and submittal sheet do not reference a city list
“Arborist Report Required. Any application for a tree removal permit shall include a letter report prepared by a certified arborist addressing the health/condition of the tree, the rationale for removal, the feasibility of any alternatives to removal, and any recommendations for replacement trees.” municipal code
How to get a tree removal permit in Pleasant Hill
- Confirm the tree is 'protected' under PHMC 18.100.030.B (native oak or indigenous tree 9 in. or more DBH; nonnative tree 18 in. or more DBH except eucalyptus and palm; trees required by an approval or replacement; heritage trees) and check the exemptions in 18.100.040 (e.g., dead-tree determination by the Zoning Administrator at no fee; emergency removal with a permit application within five days). source
- Assemble the Tree Removal Permit Submittal Requirements: the Application for Development Review signed by owner and applicant, a Tree Condition Evaluation Report by a certified arborist (sample letter included), labeled site photographs with a key map, a dimensioned site plan showing all trees 3 in. DBH and larger with those to be removed and the reason, a tree replacement plan (number, species, size), and a notarized Cost Recovery Agreement if more than five trees are proposed. source
- File with the Planning Division (100 Gregory Lane, (925) 671-5209) or online through the PHill Online Service Center, which accepts Tree Removal Permit applications, and pay the fee: Tree Removal Permits $166 ($213 per hour if more than five trees) under the Master Fee Schedule effective September 1, 2026. source
- The Zoning Administrator reviews the application against the 18.100.030.E criteria, may require a third-party peer review by a certified arborist at the applicant's cost (18.100.030.F), and may refer the application to the Planning Commission or Architectural Review Commission (18.100.100). source
- The Zoning Administrator approves or denies the permit with conditions (replacement trees, maintenance, protection of remaining trees); notice of decision is mailed, and the decision may be appealed or called up for review within 10 calendar days of the mailed notice (18.185.020.D). source
- An approved Tree Removal Permit is valid for 12 months from the approval date unless the tree is removed or the permit is renewed (18.100.110); replacement trees on single-family sites must be maintained for at least two years after planting (18.100.030.G.5). source
| Timeline | 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. “An approved Tree Removal Permit shall be valid for a period of 12 months from the approval date, unless the tree is removed, or the permit is renewed by the Zoning Administrator” source |
|---|---|
| Appeal | PHMC 18.100.120 and Ch. 18.185: the applicant or any interested party may appeal a Zoning Administrator decision to the Planning Commission (and a Commission decision to the City Council), in writing to the Zoning Administrator within 10 calendar days of the mailed notice of decision; Commission or Council members may also call a decision up for review. Hearing within 60 days; Master Fee Schedule: appeal to a board or commission $398, to City Council $464. “An appeal or call for review must be submitted in writing to the Zoning Administrator within 10 calendar days of the mailed notice of decision.” source |
| Replacement | PHMC 18.100.030.G: unless otherwise specified by the review authority, a protected native or indigenous tree approved for removal shall be replaced by at least two 15-gallon trees on the project site and a protected nonnative tree by at least one 15-gallon tree on site; species approved by the Zoning Administrator; off-site replacement may be considered where the site is already heavily treed; if replacement is infeasible the review authority may accept an in-lieu fee based on the value of the replacement trees including installation and maintenance, or, for single-family residential property, reduce or waive the requirement. Dead trees removed under the 18.100.040.F exemption need no replacement unless the site has an approved landscape plan (then 1:1). source |
| Forms | Tree Removal Permit Submittal Requirements packet (checklist, Application for Development Review, sample arborist report) · Planning Application Forms & Information page · PHill Online Service Center (EnerGov) online permit portal · Master Fee Schedule FY26-27 (effective Sept. 1, 2026) |
Process verified October 9, 2026 against the city's code, forms and department pages.
The Permit Process: Step by Step
Determine if your tree is protected
Measure trunk diameter at 54 inches (4.5 feet) above ground (DBH). Native oaks and indigenous trees at 9 inches or larger, and nonnative trees (except eucalyptus and palms) at 18 inches or larger, are protected under Chapter 18.100. Contact the Planning Division to confirm your tree's status.
Get a certified arborist report
Applications require a letter report from a certified arborist (the City also accepts licensed landscape architects or other ZA-approved professionals) addressing: health/condition of the tree, rationale for removal, feasibility of alternatives to removal, and replacement recommendations.
Submit the removal permit application
File with the Pleasant Hill Planning Division. Include the arborist report, site plan, photos, and proposed replacement plan. The application goes to the zoning administrator for review.
Zoning administrator review
The Zoning Administrator weighs the criteria in PHMC 18.100.030(E), including the tree's health and condition, risk assessed under ANSI A-300, public nuisance or safety hazards, harm to other protected trees, documented property damage, historic or cultural significance, solar access, whether proposed improvements can be redesigned around the tree, defensible-space needs, and the feasibility of alternatives to removal. The ordinance sets no fixed review deadline; confirm current processing times with the Planning Division at (925) 671-5209.
Receive decision and conditions
If approved, you'll receive conditions for replacement planting. Schedule removal with a licensed, insured contractor. Keep the permit on site during work.
Plant replacement trees
Plant replacement trees as specified in the permit conditions. Maintain until established. The city may verify compliance.
Arborist Notes: Pleasant Hill
Gregory Gardens oaks have outgrown their lots
Those 1950s lots carry valley oaks and coast live oaks now 70 years old. Roots lift sidewalks, canopies shade whole yards, and trunks are well past the 9-inch threshold. A removal application must weigh alternatives, so expect root pruning or hardscape fixes to come up.
Two thresholds, measured at 54 inches
Native oaks and indigenous trees are protected at 9 inches in diameter. Non-natives are protected at 18 inches, except eucalyptus and palms. Poet's Corner has the densest canopy in Pleasant Hill at about 40 percent. A native enrolled in the heritage program at 16 inches or more cannot be removed except for hazard or disease.
Grayson Creek and the Contra Costa Centre edge
Along Grayson Creek and into Grayson Woods, native oaks stand close to houses, and the corridor still warrants defensible space work. Near Contra Costa Centre BART, new construction and ADU projects increasingly need tree surveys when natives are on site. Development that removes a protected tree needs a preservation and replacement plan with an arborist report.
When to call me
Every removal permit application needs a certified arborist's letter report covering health, reason for removal, alternatives and replacement trees. A dead tree is different: the Zoning Administrator confirms it, no permit or fee, with a report only if needed. An emergency hazard can come down first, with the permit filed within five days.
Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Pleasant Hill?
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. (verified 2026-10-09)
What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in Pleasant Hill?
Civil penalty <=$1,000 per tree or replacement value of each tree (18.100.090(A)) + replacement: native removals >=two 15-gal on site; non-native >=one 15-gal (18.100) (verified 2026-10-09)
How long does a tree removal permit take in Pleasant Hill?
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. (verified 2026-10-09)
Does Pleasant Hill require an arborist report for a tree removal permit?
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). (verified 2026-10-09)
Can I remove a tree for fire safety in Pleasant Hill without a permit?
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). (verified 2026-10-09)
How does Pleasant Hill measure a tree for the permit threshold?
Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 9" (natives) / 18" (non-natives), diameter at 54" (DBH) (verified 2026-10-09)
What trees are protected in Pleasant Hill?
Pleasant Hill's tree rules are in Municipal Code Chapter 18.100 (Tree Preservation), renumbered from former Chapter 18.50 when the city adopted its updated Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 978) in November 2025. It protects any native oak or indigenous tree 9 inches or more in diameter and any nonnative tree (except eucalyptus and palms) 18 inches or more in diameter, measured at 54 inches (4.5 feet) above ground (DBH). Native species include coast live oak, valley oak, California bay laurel, and other native species that meet the size threshold.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Pleasant Hill?
If the tree is a native oak or indigenous tree 9 inches or more in diameter, or a nonnative tree (except eucalyptus and palms) 18 inches or more, both measured at 54 inches above ground (DBH), yes. Chapter 18.100 requires an arborist report and Zoning Administrator approval before removal. Trees below those thresholds, plus eucalyptus and palms, generally do not require permits.
What does the arborist report need to include for a Pleasant Hill tree removal permit?
The arborist report must document four areas: tree health and condition, rationale for removal, alternatives to removal, and replacement recommendations. The zoning administrator reviews the report along with the application before making a decision.
Who reviews tree removal applications in Pleasant Hill?
The Zoning Administrator reviews and approves or denies tree removal applications under Chapter 18.100. The Zoning Administrator weighs the criteria in PHMC 18.100.030(E), including the tree's health and condition, risk assessed under ANSI A-300, public nuisance or safety hazards, harm to other protected trees, documented property damage, historic or cultural significance, solar access, whether proposed improvements can be redesigned around the tree, defensible-space needs, and the feasibility of alternatives to removal.
How does Pleasant Hill's tree ordinance compare to Walnut Creek or Lafayette?
Pleasant Hill's Chapter 18.100 protects native oak and indigenous trees at 9 inches diameter and nonnative trees (except eucalyptus and palms) at 18 inches, both measured at 54 inches (DBH). Walnut Creek and Lafayette have their own tree preservation ordinances with different thresholds and review processes. Pleasant Hill's approach is straightforward: the zoning administrator handles review rather than requiring planning commission hearings for most applications.
Do I need a permit to prune a protected tree in Pleasant Hill?
Routine maintenance pruning (deadwood removal, minor crown cleaning, hazard limb removal) generally does not require a permit. However, major structural pruning or crown reduction that significantly alters the tree's form may trigger Chapter 18.100 review. When in doubt, contact the Pleasant Hill Planning Division at (925) 671-5209 (100 Gregory Lane; phillca.gov).
Tree permits in nearby cities
Contra Costa County (unincorporated) · Danville · Lafayette · Moraga · Orinda · Walnut Creek
Compare all 56 cities in the 56-city ordinance table, or run the permit checker.
Not sure what Pleasant Hill 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.