Tree removal permit rules in Walnut Creek, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Walnut Creek has one of the Bay Area's strongest tree preservation ordinances. Removal of any Protected Tree — including Heritage Trees, native oaks, and trees of significant size on private property — requires a Tree Removal Permit from the Planning Division. Unauthorized removal can result in fines up to $10,000 per tree plus replacement requirements.
Walnut Creek Municipal Code Title 10 Chapter 2 Article 9 (Tree Preservation) and related provisions govern tree removal. Protected trees include any tree with a trunk diameter of 10 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above grade (DBH), all native oaks (coast live oak, valley oak, blue oak, black oak) over 4-inch DBH, and any tree designated as a Heritage Tree due to size, age, historical significance, or community value. Removal of a protected tree requires application to the Planning Division with an arborist report justifying removal based on health, safety, structural damage, or unavoidable conflict with permitted construction. The application is reviewed by the city arborist; appeals go to the Design Review Commission. Approved removals typically require replacement planting — often 2:1 or 3:1 depending on tree size and species, with required species and sizes. Penalties for unauthorized removal of a protected tree can reach $10,000 per tree plus replacement bond and may include misdemeanor prosecution. Emergency removal (imminent hazard) is allowed with prompt after-the-fact reporting supported by an arborist letter. Trees in the public right-of-way are managed by Public Works and require a separate encroachment/tree work permit.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Walnut Creek's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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