Tree Permits in Pleasanton
Pleasanton requires a permit to remove listed native species at 37″; any other species at 55″; designated heritage tree at any size; 1 more protected class. Measured as trunk circumference at 54″ above grade. Arborist report required in some cases. Permit fee no fee. Verified October 12, 2026.
Last verified · fees checked · Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, Certified Urban Forest Professional WE-15750AF
Pleasanton tree ordinance at a glance
| Code section | PMC Ch. 17.16 (Tree Preservation), secs. 17.16.003-17.16.120, as rewritten by Ord. 2288 (12/17/2024); ecode360 code includes legislation through Ord. 2306 (6/2/2026) |
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| Protected trees | Protected tree (any origin): NATIVE species (big leaf maple, box elder, California buckeye, California sycamore, canyon oak, coast live oak, interior live oak, blue oak, California black oak, valley oak, California bay laurel, California black walnut, tan oak) with trunk circumference of 37" or more at 4.5 ft; ANY OTHER species 55" circumference or more at 4.5 ft; multi-trunk trees measured below the split. Heritage trees (owner-nominated, designated by the Landscape Architecture Division) protected regardless of size. Trees required by a development condition of approval need Planning Division approval to remove (city handout). The former 35-ft height test was removed by Ord. 2288. |
| Size threshold | 37" circumference (13 listed native species) / 55" circumference (any other species) at 4.5 ft (54") 'Minimum trunk circumference' of 37 / 55 inches (i.e., 37 or more). Multi-trunk trees: same figures 'measured below the split at the narrowest point below the main attachment or at the base if applicable' (17.16.006). Development tree surveys list all trees 19" circumference and greater (17.16.050(A)(1)). |
| Multi-trunk trees | 17.16.006: a native multi-trunked tree is protected at 'a minimum circumference of 37 inches measured below the split at the narrowest point below the main attachment or at the base if applicable'; non-native multi-trunked trees at 55 inches measured the same way. Multi-trunk tree means more than one major stem from a single root mass at ground level or just above the trunk flare, excluding suckers and root sprouts. |
| Dead or hazardous trees | 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)). |
| Permit fee | No fee: 'Removal of trees requires a no-cost permit from the City's Landscape Architect' (city Landscape Architecture page, 2026). Appeal: same as a planning division appeal, Master Fee Schedule Planning Division eff. 01.01.2026 'Appeals ... $349', refunded upon successful appeal (17.16.040(B)). Development removals: payment to the Urban Forestry Fund of appraised value less installed trees may be required; tree-protection security $100 per inch of circumference or appraised value, max $200,000 (17.16.050(C)). fee schedule |
| Penalties for removal without a permit | 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). |
| Arborist report | 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.' Who may write it: 'Approved consulting arborist' (17.16.006): a consulting arborist 'certified by the International Society of Arboriculture and/or ... a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists' whom the director has approved as qualified to provide reports satisfactory to the city. |
| Who to call | Landscape Architecture Division (Public Works), 200 Old Bernal Avenue, P.O. Box 520, Pleasanton 94566; private trees: Landscape Architect, treepermit@cityofpleasantonca.gov, 925-931-5672; city-owned trees: Parks Maintenance 925-931-5500; development projects: Community and Economic Development (925) 931-5630 · official page |
- : Fee schedule updated (current schedule): No fee: 'Removal of trees requires a no-cost permit from the City's Landscape Architect' (city Landscape Architecture page, 2026). Appeal: same as a planning division…
Sources: ecode360.com · cityofpleasantonca.gov. Urban Forestry Guide is not a city line; for Pleasanton permit questions use the department above.
Does my tree need a permit in Pleasanton?
A permit is required when the tree is protected and meets the size rule. Pleasanton measures trunk circumference at 54″ above the ground.
- Listed native species (big leaf maple, box elder, CA buckeye, CA sycamore, canyon/coast live/interior live/blue/CA black/valley oak, CA bay laurel, CA black walnut, tan oak): protected at 37″ circumference
- Any other species: protected at 55″ circumference
- Designated heritage tree: protected at any size
- Tree required by a development condition of approval: protected at any size
- Multi-trunk trees: the same 37" (native) or 55" (other) circumference, "measured below the split at the narrowest point below the main attachment or at the base if applicable" (17.16.006).
Ord. 2288 (Dec 2024) replaced the old "heritage tree" test (55" circumference OR 35 ft tall) with the protected-tree tiers above; there is no longer a height test.
The permit is free and decided by the City Arborist (Landscape Architecture Division, treepermit@cityofpleasantonca.gov) within about 2 weeks of inspection; no arborist report is required for a stand-alone residential removal, but development projects may be required to use the City's Approved Consulting Arborists list.
"No-cost" permit is stated on the city web page; the Master Fee Schedule tree line was not located.
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 Pleasanton require an arborist report?
Sometimes. 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.'
Who may write it: 'Approved consulting arborist' (17.16.006): a consulting arborist 'certified by the International Society of Arboriculture and/or ... a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists' whom the director has approved as qualified to provide reports satisfactory to the city.. Yes. 'Approved Consulting Arborists 2026' (city PDF, 39 numbered entries, note: 'These Consulting Arborists have met minimum qualifications ... to provide tree reports satisfactory to the City for planning and engineering purposes') at https://www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/assets/our-government/public-works/engineering/landscape-ordinance/Consulting-Arborist-List-2026.pdf
“Depending on the scope of the development, the director may require the applicant to provide an arborist report that includes all trees that may be affected by the new development by an approved consulting arborist.” municipal code
How to get a tree removal permit in Pleasanton
- Check whether the tree is protected: natives on the 17.16.006 list at 37 inches circumference or more, any other species at 55 inches or more, measured 4.5 feet above ground (multi-trunk trees below the split), or a designated heritage tree; also check whether it was required by a development condition of approval (then Planning Division approval is needed instead) or is a city-owned street tree (Parks Maintenance). source
- Submit the online Application for Tree Removal (https://onlineforms.cityofpleasantonca.gov/261728318098062) as the property owner or authorized representative, giving the number, species, size and location of the protected trees and a brief statement of the reason (17.16.020(A)); filing grants the director access to inspect (17.16.020(B)). No fee. source
- The City Arborist visually inspects the tree(s) and evaluates the request against 17.16.020(C) (dead/dying/diseased; dangerous; outgrown its space and damaging utilities or structures with no reasonable mitigation; needed for improvements allowing economic enjoyment; neighbourhood canopy; fire-severity-zone risk confirmed by the fire marshal). Dislike of a species, debris, pollen, non-lethal pests, surface roots and landscape renovations are not grounds (17.16.020(D)). A response is provided within 2 weeks of inspection. source
- The director notifies the applicant in writing of approval or denial with the basis for any denial (17.16.020(E)). If approved, plant climate-appropriate replacement tree(s) at a minimum 1:1 ratio and 15-gallon size, irrigated to establishment, of a species and on a timeline the director sets (17.16.020(F)). source
- Development projects (17.16.050): include a tree survey (all trees 19 inches circumference and greater) and, if the director requires it, an arborist report with CTLA appraisal by an approved consulting arborist in the planning application; approval of the final site/landscape plans constitutes the removal permit; post the tree-protection security before construction permits issue. source
- All pruning of protected trees must be done under ISA-certified-arborist supervision to ISA BMP / ANSI A300 standards by a CSLB-licensed contractor; no permit is needed for normal pruning but non-conforming pruning is penalised (17.16.010(B), 17.16.080, 17.16.100). source
| Timeline | 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. “The City Arborist will visually inspect the tree(s) and the circumstances surrounding your request. The request will be evaluated against the reasons stated in the Municipal Code section 17.16.020. A response will be provided within 2 weeks from inspection.” source |
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| Appeal | Only the applicant may appeal a denial, in writing to the city clerk within 20 days of the director's written decision, stating the basis; fee equals the planning-division appeal fee ($349, Master Fee Schedule eff. 01.01.2026) and is refunded if the appeal succeeds; heard by the protected tree board of appeals (two planning commissioners and one parks and recreation commissioner) within 60 days, with mailed notice to properties within 300 feet; the board's decision is final (17.16.040, 17.16.045). Development-route decisions appeal to city council under Ch. 18.144 (17.16.050(E)). Penalties may be appealed to the board within 20 days (17.16.110(D)). “The director's decision to deny an application to remove a protected tree may be appealed only by the applicant. Such appeal must be signed by the applicant and submitted in writing to the city clerk within 20 days of the date of the director's written decision” source |
| Replacement | 17.16.020(F): 'Upon determination by the director, the applicant shall plant climate-appropriate replacement tree(s) at a minimum of a 1:1 replacement ratio and 15-gallon size and irrigate for the establishment of such tree(s) unless otherwise specified by the director. The director may also require that the replacement tree(s) is/are an approved recommended species by the city and shall determine the size of the tree(s) and the timeline for planting the tree(s).' Development removals: replacement planting and/or payment to the urban forestry fund of appraised value less installed trees (17.16.050(A)(3)(a)). City posts an Approved Tree Replacement List 2026-27. source |
| Forms | Application for Tree Removal (online form) · Tree Removal Information Brochure 2026 ('What you need to know about Protected Trees in Pleasanton') · Approved Consulting Arborists 2026 · Tree Preservation Ordinance (Ord. 2288 scan, city-hosted, image PDF) · Master Fee Schedule - Planning Division (eff. 01.01.2026; Appeals $349) |
Process verified October 12, 2026 against the city's code, forms and department pages.
Frequently asked questions about tree permits in Pleasanton
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Pleasanton?
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)).
What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in Pleasanton?
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).
How long does a tree removal permit take in Pleasanton?
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.
Does Pleasanton require an arborist report for a tree removal permit?
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.'
How does Pleasanton measure a tree for the permit threshold?
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.
Tree permits in nearby cities
Berkeley · Dublin · Fremont · Hayward · Oakland · Piedmont
Compare all 45 cities in the 45-city ordinance table, or run the permit checker.
Not sure what Pleasanton 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.