Pleasanton, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- PMC § 17.16.080, Pruning and maintenance
- Pruning standard
- ISA Best Management Practices and ANSI A300
- Supervision required
- ISA-certified arborist
- Permit for maintenance pruning
- Not required if conforming
- Utility pruning
- Encroachment permit required (§ 17.16.090)
Summary
Pruning of any protected tree in Pleasanton must be performed under an ISA-certified arborist's supervision, following current ISA and ANSI A300 pruning standards, plus any special conditions the director sets. Pruning done outside those guidelines can trigger removal-permit penalties.
All pruning of protected trees shall be performed under the supervision of an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist, in accordance with pruning guidelines, established by the current versions of the ISA Best Management Practices, Tree Pruning and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 - Part 1 Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Management Standard Practices, Pruning, and any special conditions as determined by the director.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4955754; v17 updated 2026-06-02).
Full Breakdown
110. 090 requires any utility installing or maintaining overhead wires or underground lines near a protected tree to notify the city and obtain an encroachment permit before pruning, follow ISA pruning standards, and get specific director approval before topping. 100.
Violations & Fines
Pruning that the director reasonably determines does not conform to the ISA/ANSI A300 guidelines of § 17.16.080 is treated as a violation subject to § 17.16.110's penalties, a civil penalty of $100 per inch of trunk circumference or the tree's appraised value, whichever is greater, with a $5,000.00 minimum fine if size or species cannot be determined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim a protected tree in Pleasanton?
What pruning standard does Pleasanton require for protected trees?
Can a utility company trim a tree near its power lines without approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pleasanton
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