San Ramon, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in San Ramon, 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
- Permit required
- Before removing/relocating any protected tree
- Protected native oak
- 6+ inch diameter at 54 inches
- Streamside tree threshold
- 6 inch diameter within 100/50 ft of stream
- Permit validity
- 6 months, extendable up to 2 years
- Appeal path
- Chapter D7-II (Appeals and Calls for Review)
- Enforcement tool
- Forfeiture of posted security deposit
Summary
Removing, relocating, or cutting down a protected tree in San Ramon requires a Tree Removal Permit under Municipal Code Section D5-11. The review authority weighs health, design, and safety criteria before acting, and specific circumstances, including drainage harm or an active bird nest, require outright denial.
B. Required findings for approval. The approval of a Tree Permit shall require that the review authority first make all the following findings: 1. The approval of the Tree Permit will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, and approval of the Tree Permit is consistent with the provisions of this Chapter; and 2. Measures have been incorporated into the project or permit to mitigate impacts to remaining trees or to replace the trees removed. C. Considerations for denial of a Tree Permit. A Tree Removal Permit shall be denied if the review authority finds that any one of the following situations exists. 1. Removal or damage of a healthy tree could be avoided by: a. Reasonable redesign of the site plan; b. Trimming, thinning, tree surgery, or other reasonable treatment, as determined by the review authority. 2. Adequate provisions for drainage, erosion control, land stability, windscreen, buffers along the road and between neighbors have not been made where these problems are anticipated as a result of the removal.
Full Breakdown
A is any native oak six or more inches in diameter measured 54 inches above grade, a heritage or landmark tree or grove designated by City Council Resolution, a tree required as a permit condition or mitigation, any tree within 100 feet of a perennial stream or 50 feet of a seasonal stream that is six inches or more in diameter, or any other mature tree eight inches or more in diameter. B requires a Tree Removal Permit before relocating, removing, or cutting down a protected tree, before a building or grading permit that would remove one, or before approval of a Development Plan, Use Permit, Minor Use Permit, Variance, or subdivision map that would remove one.
C exempts willow, fruit, eucalyptus, alder, cottonwood, pine, redwood and similar ornamental trees in every zone, existing non-oak trees on single-family lots that cannot be further subdivided, nursery and orchard stock, dead or hazardous trees confirmed by the Director or an approved arborist, and emergency removals ordered for traffic sightlines or utility protection. Applications go through the Planning Services Division for standalone requests or are folded into the related discretionary application under Section D5-9. B requires the review authority to find that removal will not harm public health, safety or welfare and that mitigation or replacement measures have been incorporated before approving a permit.
C requires denial if the damage could be avoided by redesign or tree surgery, or if drainage, erosion, land stability or buffer problems from the removal have not been addressed. D makes any unauthorized cutting, damage, or movement of a protected tree subject to the Municipal Code's general enforcement provisions. Under Section D5-12, the review authority's decision is final unless appealed under Chapter D7-II, an approved permit must be exercised within six months, extendable up to two additional years, and the City may require a security deposit forfeited for violations of tree-preservation conditions.
Violations & Fines
Cutting, damaging, or moving a protected tree without an approved permit is subject to the Municipal Code's general enforcement provisions under Section D5-8.D. Where a permit was issued with tree-preservation conditions, Section D5-12.C lets the review authority forfeit some or all of the posted security deposit for any violation of those conditions, subject to appeal through Chapter D7-II. A permit not exercised within its six-month window, or any approved extension, expires under Chapter D6-III.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a protected tree in San Ramon?
Are any trees exempt from San Ramon's tree removal permit?
How long is a San Ramon Tree Removal Permit valid?
Can I appeal a denied Tree Removal Permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Ramon
California rules heatmap·Compare San Ramon to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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How other cities in Contra Costa County handle tree removal & heritage trees.