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

Heavy Restrictions

Tree removal permit rules in Marin County, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.

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Key Facts

Code: Marin County Code Ch. 22.62
Protected Species: Oak, bay, fir, redwood
Permit Trigger: >2 protected trees in 12 mo.
Coastal Zone: LCP applies instead
Heritage Trees

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Marin County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

Marin County Code Chapter 22.62 (Tree Removal Permits) requires a permit to remove protected native trees including Coast live oak, California bay, Douglas fir, and Coast redwood — and stricter rules apply to heritage trees. Removing more than two protected trees on a developed lot in 12 months triggers permitting.

Full Breakdown

Chapter 22.62 of the Marin County Development Code regulates tree removal in unincorporated areas. Protected native species include Coast live oak, California bay laurel, Douglas fir, and Coast redwood. Heritage trees, distinguished by size or historical significance, receive even stricter protection. A tree removal permit is required when removing protected or heritage trees, removing trees in sensitive areas, removing more than two protected trees on a developed lot within 12 months, or removing trees on vacant lots. Exemptions apply for trees that are dead, hazardous, or whose poor health is unlikely to recover. Properties in the coastal zone are governed by the Local Coastal Program instead.

Violations & Fines

Removing a protected or heritage tree without a Chapter 22.62 permit is a zoning violation. CDA Code Compliance issues notices, fines, and replacement orders. Unpermitted heritage-tree removal can trigger replanting orders and administrative penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Marin County?

Yes if it is a protected native species (Coast live oak, California bay, Douglas fir, or Coast redwood) or a heritage tree, or if you are removing more than two protected trees on a developed lot in 12 months.

Are dead trees exempt from the Marin tree permit?

Yes. Chapter 22.62 exempts trees that are dead, hazardous, or whose general health is so poor that long-term survival is unlikely. Diseased and fire-hazard trees are also exempt.

What if my Marin property is in the coastal zone?

Chapter 22.62 does not apply in the coastal zone. A Coastal Permit under the Local Coastal Program may be required instead for tree and vegetation removal.

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

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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