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

Tree protection in Pittsburg is administered by the Community Development Department and Public Works. Street trees within the public right-of-way are city property; residents may not prune beyond light maintenance or remove them without a Public Works permit. On private property, protected trees (commonly native oaks over a specified trunk diameter, heritage trees, and trees required as conditions of prior development approvals) may not be removed without a tree removal permit reviewed under the city zoning code. Typical protected-tree trigger thresholds statewide include trunk diameters of 6-12 inches measured at 4.5 feet above grade, though Pittsburg applies its own definitions. Applications require a certified arborist report for significant trees, a site plan showing the tree, a reason for removal (dead, diseased, hazardous, conflicting with approved construction), and often a replanting plan. Emergency removal of imminently hazardous trees is allowed with after-the-fact reporting. Removal of protected trees without a permit can result in administrative fines, replacement requirements (often multiple replacement trees), and appraised-value penalties. Trees associated with subdivision landscape plans and HOA common areas may have additional CC&R restrictions. Residents are encouraged to consult Community Development before cutting any significant tree.