Marin County Development Code Chapters 22.27 (Native Tree Protection and Preservation) and 22.62 (Tree Removal Permits) require a Tree Removal Permit before removing Protected or Heritage trees in unincorporated Marin. Routine pruning is generally allowed, but heavy trimming or removal of native oaks and willows triggers permit review.
Under Marin County Code Chapter 22.27, certain native species - chiefly native oaks and native willows - with a trunk diameter of 6 inches or greater are designated 'Protected Trees,' and those 18 inches or greater are 'Heritage Trees.' Section 22.27.030 prohibits removal of Protected Trees except in compliance with Section 22.62.040 (Exemptions) and Chapter 22.62 (Tree Removal Permits). A Tree Removal Permit is required when (a) more than two Protected Trees would be removed from a developed lot in any 12-month period, (b) a Heritage Tree would be removed, (c) any Protected/Heritage Tree in a Stream or Wetland Conservation Area would be removed, or (d) any Protected Trees on a vacant lot would be removed. Exemptions under Section 22.62.040 cover trees that are dead, dangerous, or so diseased they cannot be saved. Removed Protected Trees must be replaced at a 2:1 ratio per Chapter 22.27. Properties within the Coastal Zone are governed by the County's Local Coastal Program (Chapter 22.65), not Chapter 22.27.
Removing or substantially damaging a Protected or Heritage Tree without a permit is a violation of Title 22 (Development Code) and may be cited under County Code Title 1. Penalties include stop-work orders, replacement-tree mitigation (often 2:1 or higher), monetary contributions to the Tree Preservation Fund where on-site replacement is infeasible, and administrative/civil fines.
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