Vallejo, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- 16.504.07.B.5
- Listed fire-prone species
- Six, including Tree of Heaven
- Distance trigger
- Within 100 feet of a structure
- Standard replacement ratio
- 3 new trees per tree removed
- Fire-prone species
- Exempt from 3:1 replacement rule
- Required filing
- Arborist's report and tree inventory plan
- Unauthorized removal penalty
- $100-$500 infraction fine
Summary
Vallejo's tree protection code names Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) as one of six fire-prone species the planning director can approve for removal near buildings, skipping the citywide 3-to-1 replacement mandate. Removal still needs a qualified arborist's report confirming the tree stands within 100 feet of a structure. Municipal Code Section 16.504.07 governs the process.
5.The tree species has been identified as fire prone including Blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Monterey pines (Pinus radiata), Juniper (Cupressaceous) Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Black acacia (Acacia melanoxylon), and bamboo and is located within one hundred feet of structures; or6.The tree species is known to develop weaknesses that affect its health or the safety of people and property (e.g., short-lived, weak-wooded and subject to limb breakage, shallow-rooted and subject to toppling).C.Replacement of Significant Trees Required. Trees shall be replaced at a ratio of at least three new trees for every tree removed except for the fire-prone species identified above. The minimum size of a replacement tree shall be fifteen gallons. Exception to this requirement may be approved by the director when site conditions warrant. Replacement trees shall be planted in the following order of priority:1.On the project site;2.On any adjacent property subject to approval of the owner; or3.In the public right-of-way adjacent to the property subject to approval of the director of public works.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Update 12 - 25).
Full Breakdown
504, Landscaping, protects mature trees in Vallejo's non-residential zoning districts (over 24 inches in diameter measured six inches above grade) but carves out fire-prone species for expedited removal. 5 lists the qualifying species: Blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), Juniper (Cupressaceae), Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Black acacia (Acacia melanoxylon), and bamboo. A tree on that list can be approved for removal by the director once a project applicant submits an arborist's report and the tree sits within one hundred feet of a structure; the director does not need the standard 'no feasible alternative design' finding required for other trees.
1. C), planted first on the project site, then on an adjoining property with owner consent, or in the public right-of-way with the public works director's approval. 5, including Tree of Heaven, are the one category exempted from that 3-to-1 mitigation requirement. 504 rather than as exercising the fire-prone exception.
Violations & Fines
Vallejo enforces Chapter 16.504 through its general penalty chapter, Section 1.12.010: unauthorized tree removal is cited as an infraction ($100 to $500 fine) or a misdemeanor ($500 to $1,000 fine, up to six months in county jail, or both), at the code enforcement officer's or city attorney's discretion, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a Tree of Heaven from my Vallejo property without a permit?
Do I have to plant new trees after removing a Tree of Heaven?
What happens if I remove a protected tree without approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vallejo
California rules heatmap·Compare Vallejo to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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