Brentwood, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

060 makes it unlawful for any person to plant any tree or shrubbery on any street, public right-of-way (defined as curb to curb, or from back of sidewalk to back of sidewalk or curb where sidewalk exists on only one side), park, or public place without first obtaining an encroachment permit from the engineering department. All work under the permit must comply with applicable city ordinances, resolutions, standards, and specifications, and the director may attach conditions, including a requirement to replace any street tree that is removed.

050 reinforces this by barring planting, removal, or replacement of street trees except in accordance with the city's urban forest guidelines. An applicant denied a permit, or unhappy with conditions attached to it, may appeal in writing to the city's designated tree board within five days of the decision; the tree board must hear the appeal within thirty days and its decision can be further appealed to the city council, whose ruling is final and conclusive. 070 puts routine maintenance, including minor pruning, feeding, spraying, and watering, on the property owner without requiring a further permit, and requires the owner to replace a dead tree with the same species or one listed in the urban forest guidelines, with all work conforming to International Society of Arboriculture standards.