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

Livermore Municipal Code Chapter 12.20, Article II bars removal or encroachment into a protected tree's root zone without a City-issued tree permit. LMC § 12.20.190(A) states flatly: "No person shall remove or encroach into the protected zone of any protected tree or trees upon a property within the City unless a tree permit has been issued by the City pursuant to the provisions of this article." A "protected tree" is defined under LMC § 12.20.160(M): on single-family lots, any tree with a circumference at breast height (CBH) of 60 inches or more, or any California native tree with a CBH of 24 inches or more; on commercial, industrial, institutional, mixed-use or multifamily land, any tree with a 24-inch CBH; and on undeveloped land proposed for development, any tree with an 18-inch CBH.

Applications go to the Public Works Department for standalone removal requests and to Community Development when tied to a development permit; removing or relocating four or more protected trees on developed commercial, industrial, institutional or mixed-use property triggers referral to Community Development under LMC § 12.20.210(B)(1)(a)(ii). The Director (or the Beautification Committee or Planning Commission on referral) may approve a permit only on findings listed in LMC § 12.20.210(C), such as the tree's poor health or hazard status, or that removal is necessary to allow reasonable and conforming use of the property. Six categories are exempt from the permit under LMC § 12.20.200, including routine ISA-standard maintenance, storm or earthquake damage confirmed dangerous by a peace officer or fire official, and utility emergency work. A granted permit is valid only 90 days (or concurrent with an associated development approval) under LMC § 12.20.240, and must be posted on site during removal.

Appeals of a Director decision on a standalone permit go to the Beautification Committee, then City Council; appeals of development-linked permits go to the Planning Commission, then City Council, per LMC § 12.20.250.