ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A · ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional WE-15750AF · Serving the Bay Area
Urban Forestry Guide: (415) 881-0124
Home → Tree Permits → Ross

Tree Permits in Ross

Ross requires a permit to remove any species, single trunk over 12″ DBH at over 12″; any species over 8″ DBH within 25 ft of the front at over 8″; any species 6″ DBH or more on an unimproved parcel at 6″; 1 more protected class. Measured as trunk diameter (DBH) at 54″ above grade. Arborist report required with the application. Permit fee from $552. Verified October 21, 2026.

Check my treeArborist report for Ross

Last verified · fees checked · Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional WE-15750AF

Ross tree ordinance at a glance

Code sectionRoss Municipal Code Chapter 12.24 Planting, Alteration, Removal, or Maintenance of Trees ('Tree Protection Ordinance'), secs. 12.24.005-12.24.120 (Ords. 568 (2002), 591 (2005), 659 (2015), 686 (2018), 720 (2023), 728 (2025)); Town-published code PDF
Protected treesSpecies-neutral, size and location based. IMPROVED parcels (with a habitable structure): a 'Protected tree' is any tree with a diameter greater than 8" located within 25 ft of the front or side yard property line or within 40 ft of the rear yard property line, plus any replacement tree or tree planted in a required yard setback under a Council-approved landscape plan; a 'Significant tree' is any tree with a single trunk diameter greater than 12" anywhere on the parcel, or any tree designated to be preserved on Council-approved plans or as a condition of approval (12.24.020(9), (11); 12.24.070). UNIMPROVED parcels: any tree 6" in diameter or greater (12.24.060). Public right-of-way: all trees greater than 6" (12.24.040). 'Alter' (excessive pruning over 25% of the crown, grade changes, trenching in the root zone, etc.) is regulated like removal. 'Fire hazard' trees (fire-authority designation, a listed fire-prone species such as acacia, bamboo, arborvitae, California bay, bishop/Coulter/gray/knobcone/Monterey/Scots/Torrey pine, cedars, cypress, Douglas fir, blue gum and red gum eucalyptus, false cypress, junipers, larch, spruces, yew, or any tree within 5 ft of a house or structure) still need the permit but qualify for the 'fire hazards' approval criterion and the reduced hazardous-tree fee.
Size thresholdImproved parcel: greater than 8" diameter within 25 ft of front/side or 40 ft of rear property line, or single trunk greater than 12" anywhere; unimproved parcel: 6" or greater; all at 4 ft 6 in (54")
12.24.020(3): 'the average diameter of the trunk of a tree measured at four feet and six inches (4\'-6") above the average ground level immediately surrounding the trunk of the tree, also called Diameter at Breast Height or DBH.' Setback-zone trees: 'greater than eight inches (8")'; significant trees: 'greater than twelve inches (12")'; unimproved parcels: 'six inches (6") in diameter or greater'.
Multi-trunk trees12.24.020(3): 'If there are multiple stems below 4-1/2 feet, the diameter shall be the single largest branch (stem) at 4-1/2 feet; except, if only two stems are present, then the tree is considered to be forked and diameter shall be the measurement of the smallest trunk diameter below the fork.'
Dead or hazardous treesDead, dying and hazardous trees still need a Tree Alteration or Removal Permit, at a reduced fee ($278 for up to 3 'Dead, Dying, and/or Town Identified Hazardous Trees', $62 each additional; $0 in the right-of-way; Town Fee Schedule eff. 7/1/2026); tree condition (general health, damage, disease, danger of falling, proximity or damage to structures, utility interference) and 'fire hazards' are approval criteria (12.24.080(2)(a), (d)); trees in poor condition or creating a hazard to a building need only 2" of replacement trunk diameter (12.24.080(4)(c)). EMERGENCY: 'In the event of an emergency, when such tree poses an imminent threat to life or property, a peace officer or firefighter in their official capacity may exempt a property owner from a Tree Alteration or Removal Permit requirement in the absence of the Public Works Director. The Public Works Director shall be promptly notified of the nature of the emergency and action taken.' (12.24.070(3); same for unimproved parcels 12.24.060(3) and right-of-way 12.24.040(6)). Owners have a duty to keep trees safe and to secure or support a dangerous tree (12.24.030).
Fire-safety removalsA reason the city may approve a normal permit. A fire-hazard tree (designated in writing by the fire authority, a listed fire-prone species, or any tree within 5 ft of a house or structure) still needs the permit, but 'the alteration or removal is necessary due to fire hazards' is an approval criterion, hazard trees carry the reduced $278 fee and a 2-inch replacement requirement, and fire-safety spacing can justify an in-lieu fee instead of replanting. source · all cities
Permit fee (FY 2026-27)Town Fee Schedule (Effective July 1, 2026), Public Works: Tree removal permit - First three trees $552; Each additional tree $104; Dead, Dying, and/or Town Identified Hazardous Trees - Up to 3 $278; Each additional tree (dead/dying/hazardous) $62; Dead, Dying, and/or Town Identified Hazardous Trees in Right-Of-Way $0; Tree destruction (Muni code Chapter 12.24) $1,000 per day; Public Works hourly rate $285. In Lieu Tree Fee: $250 per one inch of tree replacement diameter; $500 for a tree determined to be in poor condition or creating a hazard to a building or other structure, as determined by a certified arborist. Planning: Appeal to Town Council $5,015 (general planning appeal line; tree-permit appeals go to the Council under Ch. 18.60). Fact sheet: application fees are nonrefundable and 'based on the current fee schedule in effect at the time of application submittal'. 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. Public Works Director decision within 30 days, but the applicant must tape every tree with bright marking tape at submission (one site trip), supply a certified arborist report and a scaled plan, and post the permit and contractor's business license on site during the work. Have it filed.
Penalties for removal without a permit12.24.120: violation is a public nuisance; civil penalty 'one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day for each such action and day the violation occurs' (owner and contractor), capped at $100,000 per incident lasting 100 days or more, exclusive of administrative, attorney and arborist costs; or alternatively the appraised value of the tree (CTLA Guide for Plant Appraisal); remedial pruning and replacement per 12.24.080(4); unpaid amounts become a lien; the Town Council sets the penalty at a public hearing and may accept replanting as correction; a violating contractor forfeits the Town business license for two years. Fee schedule: 'Tree destruction (Muni code Chapter 12.24) $1,000 per day'; after-the-fact planning applications 3x fee.
Arborist reportRequired. Every Tree Alteration or Removal Permit application must include 'Justification for the removal of each tree proposed to be removed including a certified arborist's report describing the tree's condition and structure, unless waived by the town' (12.24.080(1)(d)); the Town's fact sheet (rev. 10/5/22): 'Applications for tree alteration/removal permits must include a completed tree alteration/removal application and a certified arborist report.' Development: a tree protection plan with a certified arborist's report is required where Significant or Protected trees may be impacted, mandatory for Hillside Lot and Hazard Zone Use Permits and at staff/Council discretion for subdivisions, variances, demolition, design review, grading and building permits (12.24.100). The Town Arborist reviews applications and 'If there is a conflict between arborists regarding the condition or structure of a tree, the town arborist's decision shall control' (12.24.080(4)). The Public Works Director may waive the report.
Who may write it: 'Certified arborist' means a person 'currently certified as an "arborist" by the International Society of Arboriculture, or who is a currently a member or registered consulting arborist of the American Society of Consulting Arborists' (12.24.020(2))
Who to callTown of Ross Public Works Department, 31 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard (P.O. Box 320), Ross, CA 94957; (415) 453-1453, Option 4; David Kelley, Interim Public Works Director, dkelley@townofrossca.gov; counter hours Mon-Thu 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon; applications through the eTRAKiT Community Portal or the Public Works counter · official page
Recent changes
  • : Fee schedule updated (FY 2026-27): Town Fee Schedule (Effective July 1, 2026), Public Works: Tree removal permit - First three trees $552; Each additional tree $104; Dead, Dying, and/or Town Identified…

Sources: townofrossca.gov. Urban Forestry Guide is not a city line; for Ross permit questions use the department above.

Does my tree need a permit in Ross?

A permit is required when the tree is protected and meets the size rule. Ross measures trunk diameter (DBH) at 54″ above the ground.

Permits come from Public Works, not Planning. "Alteration" (pruning over 25% of the crown, grading or trenching in the root zone) needs the same permit.

A certified arborist's report describing condition and structure is part of every application unless the Town waives it; the Town Arborist's opinion controls disputes. Decision within 30 days; permit expires after 6 months; replacement 1:1 trunk diameter (good trees), 3:1 (fair), 2" (poor/hazard), or $250 per inch in lieu.

Fire-hazard trees (fire-authority designation, listed fire-prone species, or any tree within 5 ft of a structure) are an approval ground, not an exemption.

Appeal fee for tree permits (fee schedule shows only the $5,015 Planning "Appeal to Town Council" line).

Ord. 728 (2025) adopted text not read; Town code PDF used.

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 Ross require an arborist report?

Yes. Every Tree Alteration or Removal Permit application must include 'Justification for the removal of each tree proposed to be removed including a certified arborist's report describing the tree's condition and structure, unless waived by the town' (12.24.080(1)(d)); the Town's fact sheet (rev. 10/5/22): 'Applications for tree alteration/removal permits must include a completed tree alteration/removal application and a certified arborist report.' Development: a tree protection plan with a certified arborist's report is required where Significant or Protected trees may be impacted, mandatory for Hillside Lot and Hazard Zone Use Permits and at staff/Council discretion for subdivisions, variances, demolition, design review, grading and building permits (12.24.100). The Town Arborist reviews applications and 'If there is a conflict between arborists regarding the condition or structure of a tree, the town arborist's decision shall control' (12.24.080(4)). The Public Works Director may waive the report.

Who may write it: 'Certified arborist' means a person 'currently certified as an "arborist" by the International Society of Arboriculture, or who is a currently a member or registered consulting arborist of the American Society of Consulting Arborists' (12.24.020(2)). None; the Town retains its own Town Arborist for review

“Justification for the removal of each tree proposed to be removed including a certified arborist's report describing the tree's condition and structure, unless waived by the town;” municipal code
Need a report Ross will accept? Michael Schuck writes ISA Certified Arborist reports for permit applications, hazard claims and disputes across the Bay Area, including Ross.
Request an arborist report

How to get a tree removal permit in Ross

  1. Decide whether the tree is regulated: on an improved parcel, any tree over 8 inches DBH within 25 feet of the front or side property line or 40 feet of the rear line, any single-trunk tree over 12 inches DBH, and any tree preserved by a Council approval; on an unimproved parcel any tree 6 inches DBH or more; in the right-of-way any tree over 6 inches. Diameter is measured at 4 feet 6 inches (largest stem for multi-stem trees; smallest trunk below the fork for two-stem trees). 'Alteration' (over 25% crown removal, grading or trenching in the root zone) needs the same permit (12.24.020, 12.24.060, 12.24.070). source
  2. File the Tree Alteration/Removal Application with the Public Works Department (forms prescribed by Public Works; fact sheet rev. 10/5/22): property address and owner, species and diameter at 4.5 feet of each tree keyed to a map, reason for each removal, a certified arborist's report describing condition and structure (unless the Town waives it), proposed replacement trees and locations, a scaled plan with property lines and tree locations, the tree contractor's name and Town of Ross business license, and the owner's signature. Mark every tree to be removed, relocated or altered with bright tape around the trunk when you submit (12.24.080(1)). source
  3. Pay the nonrefundable fee from the Town Fee Schedule in effect at submittal (effective 7/1/2026): $552 for the first three trees and $104 each additional tree; $278 for up to three dead, dying or Town-identified hazardous trees and $62 each additional; $0 for dead/dying/hazardous trees in the right-of-way. source
  4. The Town Arborist comments and the Public Works Director approves, conditionally approves or denies on the 12.24.080(2) criteria (tree condition or danger of falling; economic enjoyment of the property such as construction; no adverse impact or erosion; fire hazards; good forestry practice) weighed against the 12.24.080(3) factors (existing trees, shade and solar access, soil and water retention, wildlife or creek habitat, historic value, scenic beauty, general welfare); written notice of the decision within 30 days; the Director may refer the application directly to the Town Council. Applications incomplete or inactive for more than 90 days may be denied without prejudice (12.24.085). source
  5. Replacement is a condition: trees in good or excellent condition replaced 1:1 by trunk diameter (a 21-inch tree needs new trees totaling 21 inches of trunk), fair or marginal trees 3:1 (7 inches for a 21-inch tree), poor-condition or hazard trees 2 inches; a 24-inch box counts as 2 inches, 36-inch box 3 inches, 48-inch box 4 inches; native species replaced with Ross natives; plant within 60 days of removal; in-lieu fee $250 per inch ($500 for a poor-condition or hazard tree) where on-site planting is infeasible, including for fire-safety or canopy-separation reasons (12.24.080(4)-(5)). source
  6. Post the permit and the contractor's business license adjacent to the main entry drive, visible from the right-of-way, for the whole job (12.24.083); complete the work within six months or the approval expires (12.24.090). The applicant or any interested person may appeal a staff decision to the Town Council under Chapter 18.60; filing an appeal automatically stays issuance of the permit (12.24.080(6)). source
TimelineDecision within 30 days of application (code); permit expires if work is not completed within six months of approval; replacement planting within 60 days of removal; incomplete or inactive applications may be denied after 90 days (60 days of applicant-requested continuance). No neighbor-notice period is specified for staff-level permits.
“The Public Works Director shall give written notice to the applicant of their decision on the application within 30 days.” source
AppealThe applicant or any interested person may appeal a staff decision on a Tree Alteration or Removal Permit to the Town Council under the procedures of Chapter 18.60; the notice of appeal automatically stays issuance until the Council decides. The FY 2026-27 fee schedule's Planning 'Appeal to Town Council' line is $5,015; whether that line applies to tree permit appeals is not stated.
“The applicant or any interested person may appeal a staff decision on a Tree Alteration or Removal Permit to the Town Council pursuant to the procedures set forth in Chapter 18.60. The filing of a notice of appeal shall automatically stay the issuance of any Tree Alteration or Removal Permit until determination by the Town Council.” source
Replacement12.24.080(4): good/excellent condition 1:1 trunk diameter; fair/marginal 3:1 (one-third of the removed diameter); poor condition or hazard to a building/structure 2 inches; 24" box = 2", 36" box = 3", 48" box = 4"; natives replaced with species native to Ross unless staff approve otherwise; same mature size unless staff recommend otherwise; Town Arborist controls arborist disputes; Council or Director may reduce the ratio; plant within 60 days. 12.24.080(5): in-lieu payment (fee schedule: $250 per inch of replacement diameter; $500 for a poor-condition/hazard tree) or off-site planting where on-site replacement is infeasible for physical constraints, fire safety requirements or canopy separation; landscape restoration or screening as alternatives. source
FormsTree Alteration/Removal Application and Fact Sheet (Public Works, rev. 10/5/22) · Tree Alteration/Removal Application & Fact Sheet page (Public Works) · Ross Municipal Code Chapter 12.24 (Town-published PDF) · Town Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026 · eTRAKiT Community Portal (permit applications and payments)

Process verified October 21, 2026 against the city's code, forms and department pages.

Frequently asked questions about tree permits in Ross

Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Ross?

Dead, dying and hazardous trees still need a Tree Alteration or Removal Permit, at a reduced fee ($278 for up to 3 'Dead, Dying, and/or Town Identified Hazardous Trees', $62 each additional; $0 in the right-of-way; Town Fee Schedule eff. 7/1/2026); tree condition (general health, damage, disease, danger of falling, proximity or damage to structures, utility interference) and 'fire hazards' are approval criteria (12.24.080(2)(a), (d)); trees in poor condition or creating a hazard to a building need only 2" of replacement trunk diameter (12.24.080(4)(c)). EMERGENCY: 'In the event of an emergency, when such tree poses an imminent threat to life or property, a peace officer or firefighter in their official capacity may exempt a property owner from a Tree Alteration or Removal Permit requirement in the absence of the Public Works Director. The Public Works Director shall be promptly notified of the nature of the emergency and action taken.' (12.24.070(3); same for unimproved parcels 12.24.060(3) and right-of-way 12.24.040(6)). Owners have a duty to keep trees safe and to secure or support a dangerous tree (12.24.030).

What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in Ross?

12.24.120: violation is a public nuisance; civil penalty 'one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day for each such action and day the violation occurs' (owner and contractor), capped at $100,000 per incident lasting 100 days or more, exclusive of administrative, attorney and arborist costs; or alternatively the appraised value of the tree (CTLA Guide for Plant Appraisal); remedial pruning and replacement per 12.24.080(4); unpaid amounts become a lien; the Town Council sets the penalty at a public hearing and may accept replanting as correction; a violating contractor forfeits the Town business license for two years. Fee schedule: 'Tree destruction (Muni code Chapter 12.24) $1,000 per day'; after-the-fact planning applications 3x fee.

How long does a tree removal permit take in Ross?

Decision within 30 days of application (code); permit expires if work is not completed within six months of approval; replacement planting within 60 days of removal; incomplete or inactive applications may be denied after 90 days (60 days of applicant-requested continuance). No neighbor-notice period is specified for staff-level permits.

Does Ross require an arborist report for a tree removal permit?

Required. Every Tree Alteration or Removal Permit application must include 'Justification for the removal of each tree proposed to be removed including a certified arborist's report describing the tree's condition and structure, unless waived by the town' (12.24.080(1)(d)); the Town's fact sheet (rev. 10/5/22): 'Applications for tree alteration/removal permits must include a completed tree alteration/removal application and a certified arborist report.' Development: a tree protection plan with a certified arborist's report is required where Significant or Protected trees may be impacted, mandatory for Hillside Lot and Hazard Zone Use Permits and at staff/Council discretion for subdivisions, variances, demolition, design review, grading and building permits (12.24.100). The Town Arborist reviews applications and 'If there is a conflict between arborists regarding the condition or structure of a tree, the town arborist's decision shall control' (12.24.080(4)). The Public Works Director may waive the report.

Can I remove a tree for fire safety in Ross without a permit?

Fire hazard is a reason the city may approve a normal permit. A fire-hazard tree (designated in writing by the fire authority, a listed fire-prone species, or any tree within 5 ft of a house or structure) still needs the permit, but 'the alteration or removal is necessary due to fire hazards' is an approval criterion, hazard trees carry the reduced $278 fee and a 2-inch replacement requirement, and fire-safety spacing can justify an in-lieu fee instead of replanting.

How does Ross measure a tree for the permit threshold?

Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. Diameter at 4 ft 6 in (54") above average ground level: over 12" anywhere on an improved parcel; over 8" within 25 ft of the front or side line or 40 ft of the rear line; 6" or more on an unimproved parcel.

Tree permits in nearby cities

Belvedere · Corte Madera · Fairfax · Larkspur · Marin County (unincorporated) · Mill Valley · Novato · San Anselmo

Compare all 56 cities in the 56-city ordinance table, or run the permit checker.

Not sure what Ross 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.

Request a consultationCall (415) 881-0124
Call Urban Forestry Guide Arborist report for Ross