Do I Need a Tree Permit in Tiburon?
Tiburon protects heritage trees — any tree with trunk circumference exceeding 60 inches measured 24 inches above ground, regardless of species. Chapter 15A requires permits for removal or alteration, with a deposit-based fee system and a 10-day appeal period before work can begin.
The Short Answer: Yes, for Trees Over 60" Circumference
Tiburon's Chapter 15A establishes a clear threshold: any tree with trunk circumference exceeding 60 inches, measured 24 inches above ground level, is classified as a heritage tree — regardless of species. Removal or alteration of heritage trees requires a permit from the Planning Division.
Non-heritage trees (under 60" circumference) generally don't require permits, but verify with the Planning Division at (415) 435-7373 before proceeding, especially for large or prominent specimens.
How to Measure: 24 Inches Above Ground
Tiburon measures trunk circumference at 24 inches above ground level — not the standard DBH (diameter at breast height / 4.5 feet) used by most Bay Area cities. This lower measurement point captures more trees than you might expect. Wrap a measuring tape around the trunk at 24 inches from ground level. If it exceeds 60 inches (about 19 inches diameter), you need a permit.
What Makes Tiburon's Ordinance Unique?
Several features set Tiburon apart from other Marin County cities:
- Species-neutral threshold — The 60" circumference rule applies to all species, not just native oaks or redwoods
- Low measurement height — 24 inches above ground (vs. 4.5 feet DBH in most cities)
- Deposit-based fee system — Permit fees are structured as refundable deposits
- 10-day appeal period — After permit approval, there's a mandatory 10-day wait before work can begin
- Colored ribbon identification — Application requires physical marking of the tree
- Fire marshal emergency exemption — The fire marshal can authorize removal without permit for fire hazards
Marin County Comparison
| Requirement | Tiburon | Mill Valley | San Rafael |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection trigger | 60" circumference (any species) | Heritage designation + species | Species + diameter (Ch. 11.12) |
| Measurement height | 24" above ground | Varies by species | Standard trunk diameter |
| Penalty | $500–$2,500 per tree | $15,000+ per tree | $500–$2,500 per tree |
| Appeal period | 10 days mandatory | Public notification for heritage | Standard review period |
| Fire exemption | Fire marshal can authorize | Coordinate with both depts. | Mandatory fire-prone removal |
The Permit Process: Step by Step
Measure the tree circumference
Measure the trunk circumference at 24 inches above ground level. Protection threshold: 60 inches or greater. Heritage tree designation applies regardless of species. Non-heritage trees may not require a permit — verify with Planning Division at (415) 435-7373.
Get an arborist assessment
For heritage trees or complex removals, hire an ISA Certified Arborist to prepare a TRAQ-qualified assessment documenting the reason for removal and tree condition. This significantly strengthens permit applications with the Planning Division.
Prepare permit application materials
Gather aerial photograph or site plan, colored ribbon identification of the tree, and detailed ground-level photographs showing the tree in context. Application must document the tree's location, condition, and removal justification.
Submit application to Planning Division
File the Heritage Tree Removal Permit application with the Town of Tiburon Planning Division at (415) 435-7373. Include the arborist report, aerial photos, tree identification, ground photographs, and removal justification.
Appeal period (10 days)
After application submission, the Planning Division initiates a 10-day public appeal period. Neighbors or the Planning Commission may raise objections. Plan for this delay in your timeline.
Receive approval and schedule work
Once the 10-day appeal period expires without objection, you'll receive permit approval and may schedule removal with a licensed, insured tree service. Keep the permit on site during all work.
Application Requirements
Tiburon's permit application has specific documentation requirements that differ from other cities:
- Aerial photograph or site plan — Showing the tree's location on the property
- Colored ribbon identification — Physical marking of the tree on-site
- Ground-level photographs — Multiple angles showing the tree in context
- Written justification — Why removal is necessary
- Arborist report (recommended) — TRAQ-qualified assessment for heritage trees
Fire Safety in Tiburon
Tiburon falls within the Tiburon Fire Protection District, which takes wildfire risk seriously. Key points:
- Emergency exemption — The fire marshal can authorize heritage tree removal without a permit if the tree poses an imminent fire hazard
- Defensible space — Required clearance around structures may conflict with heritage tree protection. Coordinate with both Planning and Fire.
- Vegetation management — Contact the Tiburon Fire Protection District at (415) 435-7202 for fire-safety tree assessments
Contact Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a heritage tree in Tiburon?
Yes. Tiburon protects trees with trunk circumference exceeding 60 inches measured 24 inches above ground under Chapter 15A. Heritage tree removal requires a permit from the Planning Division at (415) 435-7373. The application must include an aerial photograph or site plan, colored ribbon tree identification, and detailed ground photographs. There is a 10-day appeal period after application. The process typically takes 4–12 weeks. A qualified tree service company can handle the application and documentation.
How much does heritage tree removal cost in Tiburon?
Tiburon heritage tree removal typically costs $15,000–$25,000+ for waterfront specimens requiring crane-barge or helicopter access, $7,000–$15,000 for large hillside trees, and $2,000–$7,000 for standard removals without complex terrain. The high end reflects access challenges — narrow peninsula roads like Paradise Drive and waterfront properties create equipment constraints. Stump grinding adds $300–$700. Permit fees and arborist report costs are additional. Always get written estimates that account for site access and specialized equipment needs.
What is a heritage tree in Tiburon?
A heritage tree in Tiburon is any tree with a trunk circumference exceeding 60 inches, measured 24 inches above ground level. Species does not matter — the circumference threshold applies to all trees meeting this size. Heritage tree removal or alteration is prohibited without a Planning Division permit. The process requires aerial photos, colored ribbon identification, and site photographs. Penalties for unauthorized removal can be substantial.
How long does it take to get a tree removal permit in Tiburon?
Tiburon heritage tree removal permits typically take 4–12 weeks from application submission to final approval. The process includes a 10-day public appeal period after application filing, followed by Planning Division review and approval. Contested cases or properties requiring Fire Protection District coordination can extend this timeline. Plan ahead — if you need a tree removed for a construction project or have a dead or hazardous tree, file the permit application months in advance.
What happens if I remove a heritage tree without a permit in Tiburon?
Removing a heritage tree without a permit in Tiburon can result in substantial civil penalties, mandatory restoration or replacement plantings, and potential code enforcement action. The severity depends on tree size and circumstances. Always obtain a permit before removing any tree meeting the 60-inch circumference threshold. Emergency fire hazard removal may qualify for Fire Marshal exemption without a permit — contact Tiburon Fire Protection District at (415) 435-7202.
Can I trim a heritage tree in Tiburon?
Pruning or alteration of heritage trees (60-inch circumference) is subject to Chapter 15A permitting depending on the extent of work. Routine maintenance pruning and deadwood removal are generally permitted, but structural pruning, crown reduction, and view restoration work may require Planning Division consultation. Contact the Planning Division at (415) 435-7373 to determine whether your proposed work needs a permit. Certified arborists familiar with Chapter 15A can guide you on compliance.
How much does tree trimming cost in Tiburon?
Standard residential tree trimming of 1–2 trees costs $700–$1,800. Large-canopy structural pruning runs $1,800–$3,500. Heritage oak or view restoration pruning — a major service in Tiburon's premium real estate market — costs $3,500–$6,000. Tiburon homeowners invest in fine pruning to preserve Bay views, Angel Island vistas, and San Francisco skyline sightlines. Certified arborists specializing in view restoration command premium rates.
Do I need a tree safety inspection in Tiburon?
A tree safety inspection (arborist assessment) costs $400–$1,200 and is recommended for any tree showing signs of decline, leaning, or storm damage — particularly on Tiburon hillsides where wind exposure and landslide risk are concerns. For heritage tree removal permits, a TRAQ-qualified arborist assessment significantly strengthens the Planning Division application. Pre-purchase assessments are increasingly standard on Tiburon's multi-million-dollar waterfront estates. Post-storm inspections are critical within 48 hours of major weather events.
Related reading for Tiburon residents
Need a heritage tree assessment?
A TRAQ-qualified arborist report significantly strengthens your Tiburon permit application and ensures proper documentation for the Planning Division review.