Davis, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Davis, CA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Davis Municipal Code § 37.02.070
- Who decides
- community development director
- Removal findings required
- disease, safety risk, invasive species, or harm
- Appeal window
- 10 calendar days to tree permit appeal board
- Unpermitted removal penalty
- misdemeanor plus civil penalty = tree's appraised value
Summary
Davis bars anyone but the city director from removing a city tree or a private/protected tree without a permit. Removal can only be approved on specific findings such as disease, safety risk, or an invasive species; ordinary preference for a different landscaping plan is not enough.
The director shall only grant approval of a city tree permit for tree removal if the director can make one or more of the following findings: (1) The tree is damaged, diseased or declining in health; and its physical condition at time of evaluation cannot be remedied without the loss of more than fifty percent of the total canopy.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4915048; v22 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
050 covers the parallel city tree permit for city-owned trees. Both require a written application to the director with a processing fee set by city council resolution, describing the act intended, and the number, species, size, and location of trees affected. For removal specifically, the director may only grant the permit on one or more of five findings: the tree is damaged, diseased, or declining such that more than fifty percent of its canopy would be lost restoring it; its condition presents an unacceptable public health or safety risk; the species is undesirable, invasive, or inappropriate for the site; the tree is causing significant harm or is materially injurious to property, improvements, or utilities; or no alternative other than removing a healthy tree exists to meet the applicant's goals.
The director has discretion to refer any application to the tree permit appeal board. 070(d)(3). 010 separately makes unpermitted removal, along with cutting, spraying, or substantial pruning, a prohibited act for anyone other than the director. 040 rather than this permit alone.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected tree without an approved permit is a misdemeanor under Section 37.06.040(a). Section 37.06.040(b) adds a civil penalty for each day the violation continues, plus a civil penalty equal to the tree's appraised value under the International Society of Arboriculture's Guide for Plant Appraisal, recoverable by the city attorney, with penalties satisfiable through replacement trees or payments into the tree preservation fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a protected tree just because I don't like it?
What happens if my private/protected tree removal permit is denied?
What is the penalty for removing a protected tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davis
California rules heatmap·Compare Davis to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Yolo County handle tree removal & heritage trees.