CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
PERMIT PROCESS
Registered heritage trees, trees that provide land stability, are of a protected species or size, or provide visual screening/and or privacy are subject to tree removal permits.
Some factors used to determine tree removal approval include hazardous situations, number of trees on a property, damage to existing structures, and reasonable development. Prior to removing any tree on your property, you are advised to contact the Planning Division at (925) 674-7205 to verify your tree does not require a removal permit.
city contact information
30 Muir Road
Martinez, CA 94553
Mon - Thur: 7:30am - 5pm
Fri: 7:30am - 4pm
Pone: (925) 674-7200
Fax: (925) 674-7239
Contra Costa County Tree Program Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?
Is there a list of indigenous trees?
Any tree part of a stand of four or more trees and is 6.5 inches in diameters measured 4 ½ from ground level and is included in the following list of indigenous trees is protected.
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Arroyo Willow -
Bigleaf Maple -
Black Cottonwood -
Blue Oak -
Box Elder -
California Bay or Laurel -
California Black Oak -
California Black Walnut -
California Buckeye -
California Juniper -
California Sycamore -
Canyon Live Oak -
Coast Live Oak -
Coast Red Elderberry -
Coast Redwood -
Digger Pine -
Fremont Cottonwood -
Interior Live Oak -
Knobcone Pine -
Madrone -
Tanoak or Tanbark Oak -
Toyon -
Valley Oak -
White Alder -
Yellow Willow
More protected trees in Contra Costa County
Any tree measuring 6 ½ inches diameter measured 4 ½ from ground level, or any multi-stemmed tree with the sum of the circumferences measuring 40 inches or larger, measured 4 ½ from ground level, or any significant grouping of trees, (groves of four or more trees) that is located on any of the properties specified below:
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Any developed property within any commercial, professional office or industrial district. -
Any undeveloped property within any district or private property that can be subdivided. -
Any area designated on the general plan for recreational purposes or open space. -
Any area designated in the county general plan open space element as visually significant riparian or ridge line vegetation and where the tree is adjacent to or part of a riparian foothill woodland or oak savanna area. (Ords. 94-59, 94-22)
Tree Permit: Ordinance Compliance in Contra Costa County
http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/documentcenter/view/2747
Do my neighbors need a tree permit to remove a tree? When do they need a permit and what is the process and timeline involved?