Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Concord vs El Cerrito
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Concord, CA and El Cerrito, CA?
Concord has fewer restrictions than El Cerrito.
Concord, CA
Contra Costa County
Concord regulates removal of protected trees under Concord Municipal Code chapter 8.50 (Tree Preservation). Protected trees over 10 inches DBH require a permit before removal. Heritage oaks and street trees have additional protection. Permit fees and replacement planting are required.
View full Concord rules →El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County protects heritage and native trees under County Ordinance Code Chapter 816-6. A permit is required to remove any protected tree (most native oaks, bays, buckeyes, madrones, and sycamores) of 6.5 inches DBH or larger on private property. Unpermitted removal carries penalties up to $10,000 per tree plus replacement planting.
View full El Cerrito rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Concord | El Cerrito |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Protected DBH | - | 6.5 in (20 in circumference) or larger |
| Covered species | - | Oaks, bay, buckeye, madrone, sycamore, big-leaf maple |
| Permit authority | - | Contra Costa DCD Planning |
| Penalty | - | Up to $10,000 per tree + replacement |
| Exemptions | - | Dead/hazard, fruit trees, <25% canopy trim |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Concord FAQ
El Cerrito FAQ
Can I remove an oak tree that is dropping limbs onto my house?
You may remove it if a certified arborist documents imminent hazard. File an emergency notice with DCD within 48 hours and retain the arborist report and photos.
Does the ordinance apply to cutting roots for a new driveway?
Yes. Any construction within the dripline of a protected tree requires review, and cutting more than 25% of the root zone can trigger a removal-level permit.
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