Novato, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Novato Municipal Code § 17-3.4 builds street tree planting around a list. The city engineer and the community development director determine which species of street trees and shrubs are suitable for planting, the areas, and the conditions of planting and maintenance in public areas, and they also pick species suitable for private property that project over or under the public rights-of-way. The director reports the findings in writing to the city council. Once the council approves, the report is the "Approved Street Tree List," filed in the office of the city clerk, and it can be revised from time to time the same way.

The rule that follows is binding on private owners as well as the City. All trees and shrubs planted in, or projecting over or under, the public rights-of-way must appear on the list, unless the director has first issued a written permit for a tree not on it. Any tree that will reach a height greater than twenty-five feet at maturity cannot go within 10 feet, measured horizontally, of utility lines or poles without prior written approval of the community development director, who consults the utility company having jurisdiction before approving.

Section 17-3.7(b) adds the planting process. No one plants a tree or shrub within or adjacent to a public right-of-way, park or playground until the tree and its location are approved and a permit is granted. Planting follows the street tree and shrub planting and pruning standards and specifications on file at the department of community development, and only trees on the Approved Street Tree list go in or next to the right-of-way. Section 17-3.6 requires a written application describing the work, location, tree types and reasons, and an encroachment permit under section 15-2 for work in the right-of-way.

After planting, § 17-3.7(a) makes the property owner responsible for adequate water and for root trimming. For removal and replacement under § 17-3.7(c), the director can require replanting within six months of permit issuance, and security for performance. Stump removal goes to a depth of at least one foot below the ground surface, with the hole backfilled and tamped. Section 17-3.14 separately bars excavating a ditch, tunnel or trench, or laying a drive, within a radius of five feet of any tree or shrub without a permit for a street tree.