Martinez, CA Environmental Rules: Grading & Drainage (2026)

Martinez Municipal Code addresses tree preservation to protect the city's mature urban forest and the oak woodlands common to the Alhambra Valley and surrounding hillsides. Protected trees typically include native oaks (coast live oak, valley oak, blue oak, black oak), other native species (California buckeye, California bay, big-leaf maple), and any tree exceeding a specified trunk diameter measured at breast height (often 10-12 inches DBH for heritage designation). Protected trees on private property generally cannot be removed, severely pruned (typically defined as removal of more than 25% of the canopy), or damaged through construction activity without a tree removal permit from the Community Development Department. Permit applications typically require an arborist report for protected species, documentation of the reason for removal (dead/dying/hazardous, construction conflict, disease), and a replacement/mitigation plan. Replacement trees are usually required at ratios of 1:1 to 3:1 depending on the size and significance of the removed tree, with larger replacement sizes (24-inch box or larger) for significant trees. In-lieu fees may be paid where on-site replacement is not feasible, funding municipal tree planting programs. Trees on public property (street trees, park trees) may not be removed, pruned, or otherwise damaged by private parties without a city permit. Development projects must incorporate tree protection zones (typically at the drip line plus a buffer) with fencing during construction. Emergency removal of imminent-hazard trees is allowed with prompt reporting. Violations including unpermitted removal can result in fines and replacement requirements, often including multiple replacement trees per tree removed.