Tree removal permit rules in Brentwood, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Brentwood regulates removal of protected and heritage trees, including most native oaks and trees over a threshold trunk diameter on developed residential parcels. A tree removal permit from Community Development is required unless the tree is dead, diseased, or poses imminent hazard, in which case photographic documentation is still required.
The Brentwood Municipal Code protects heritage and native trees as a community resource. Native oaks (Valley oak, Coast live oak, Blue oak) and certain species with a single-trunk DBH of approximately 24 inches or multi-trunk aggregate DBH on developed residential lots are typically subject to removal permits. Applicants must submit a site plan, tree survey by a certified arborist if requested, reason for removal, and a replacement or in-lieu fee proposal. Typical mitigation is replacement with two 15-gallon or one 24-inch-box native tree per removed tree, or payment into the city's tree fund. Dead, diseased, or imminently hazardous trees may be removed without a prior permit but the owner should photograph the tree and retain arborist documentation before cutting. Trees on city property, in street parkways, or in public right-of-way may only be removed by the Public Works Department. For construction projects, tree protection zones with chain-link fencing at the dripline are required during grading. Trimming of more than 25 percent of live canopy may also trigger permit review. Violations can trigger fines up to $1,000 per tree plus mandatory replacement.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Brentwood's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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