Tree Protection in Novato, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
In the City of Novato, California, a heritage tree is any woody plant with a trunk of 24 inches in diameter or more, or one the city council designates. Altering or removing one on any parcel without a permit is unlawful under Novato Municipal Code § 17-1.3, with exceptions for dead or fallen trees.
Novato Heritage Tree Protection Ordinance
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 17-1.2(c), 17-1.3
c."Heritage tree" shall mean any native or non-native woody plant: (1) characterized by having a major trunk or trunks of a diameter of 24 inches (circumference of 75 inches) or more measured at 24 inches above existing grade; or (2) any other so designated by the city council based upon a finding that it has special historical associations due to its age, character, species, or location. ... I...
Protected Tree Species
The City of Novato, California protects native trees by category, not by a species list: development on land with native tree or woodland resources must retain a minimum of 75 percent of existing native trees and replace losses at not less than 3:1 under Novato Municipal Code § 19.39.040.
Novato Native Tree and Woodland Retention Standards
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.39.040
A.Tree removal shall be avoided by design where possible.B.A minimum of 75 percent of existing native trees shall be retained, with optimal and sustainable levels of vegetation age and species diversity.C.A minimum of 25 percent of retained native trees shall be in contiguous patches of undisturbed functional forest/canopy as wildlife preserve (minimum patch size and other constraints shall be ...
Parkway Planting
In the City of Novato, California, every tree or shrub planted in or projecting over a public right-of-way must be on the council-approved Approved Street Tree List unless the director issues a written permit. Trees reaching more than twenty-five feet at maturity stay 10 feet from utility lines under Novato Municipal Code § 17-3.4.
Novato Street Tree Planting and Approved Tree List
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 17-3.4
The city engineer and community development director are hereby charged with the duty of promptly determining the types and species of street trees and shrubs suitable and desirable for planting and the areas in which and conditions under which such street trees and shrubs shall be planted and maintained within the public areas of the city. ... All trees and shrubs hereafter planted in or which...
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
Tree Protection in Marin County →