Dublin, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

050 of the Dublin Municipal Code bars any person from removing, causing to be removed, or effectively removing a heritage tree from any property in the city without a Director-issued permit. The only exceptions, listed in subsection B, are removal of a tree presenting an immediate hazard to life or property with sign-off from the Director, City Engineer, Police Chief, or Fire Chief; removal already approved as part of a planned development plan, conditional use permit, site development review, or subdivision map; and pruning that follows the International Society of Arboriculture's current Tree Pruning Guidelines on file with the Community Development Department.

060 requires a drawing showing every existing tree and the size, type, and location of any proposed for removal, a written reason for removal, the property owner's written consent, and a nonrefundable application fee, with an additional deposit possible if the city retains a certified arborist to assess tree health. The Director inspects the site and weighs the tree's condition, the necessity of removal for reasonable development, erosion and drainage effects, and the tree's contribution to neighborhood shade and character, then must render a decision within 10 working days of a complete application, and may condition approval on planting one or more replacement trees.

070 lets any aggrieved person appeal the Director's decision to the City Council in writing within 14 days of notification, accompanied by a Council-set appeal fee.