Heritage Trees:
- Any single-trunked tree with a circumference of fifty-five inches or more measured four and one half feet above ground level;
- Any multi-trunked tree of which the two largest trunks have a circumference of fifty-five inches or more measured four and one half feet above ground level;
- Any tree thirty-five feet or more in height;
- Any tree of particular historical significance specifically designated by official action;
- A stand of trees, the nature of which makes each dependent upon the other for survival or the area’s natural beauty.
Click for information on the permit process.
Click here for the tree removal permit application. Please contact the city at 925-931-5672 with questions
Municipal Code Chapter 17.16
A. Except as provided in Section 17.16.050 of this chapter, any person desiring to remove any heritage tree in the city shall make application to the director. Said application shall contain the number, species, size and location of heritage trees to be removed and a brief statement of the reason for removal as well as any other pertinent information the director may require. The permit, if granted, shall entitle the applicant to remove only those heritage trees designated by permit.
B. The director shall visit and inspect the property, the heritage tree or trees in question, and the surrounding area and shall ascertain the following:
1. The condition of the heritage tree with respect to disease, general health, damage, public nuisance, danger of falling, proximity to existing or proposed structures, interference with utility service and whether or not the heritage tree acts as host for a plant which is parasitic to another species of tree which is in danger of being exterminated by the parasite;
2. Whether the tree has a significant impact on the property;
3. The necessity to remove any heritage tree in order to construct any proposed improvements to allow for the economic enjoyment of the property;
4. The number of existing trees in the neighborhood or area on improved property and the effect removal would have upon the public health, safety, general welfare of residents and upon the property value and beauty of the area;
5. The topography of the land upon which the heritage tree or trees are situated and the effect of removal thereof upon erosion, soil retention and diversion or flow of surface waters;
6. Good forestry practices, i.e., the number of healthy trees that a given parcel of land will support.
C. The director may refer any application to any city department or commission for review and recommendation.
