Marin County, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 22.130.030, Protected Tree and Heritage Tree
- Oak/willow protected size
- 6 in. diameter at breast height
- Oak/willow heritage size
- 18 in. diameter at breast height
- Other species protected size
- 10 in. diameter at breast height
- Applies in
- Non-agricultural unincorporated Marin only
Summary
Marin's Development Code protects specific native tree species once they reach a set trunk diameter, defined in Section 22.130.030 as 'Protected Tree and Heritage Tree.' Coast live oak, valley oak, and other listed oaks and willows become protected at 6 inches diameter at breast height and heritage-sized at 18 inches; most conifers and other listed hardwoods use a 10-inch and 30-inch threshold instead.
This Chapter applies only to "protected trees" as defined in Article VIII (Development Code Definitions) on improved and unimproved lots as defined in Article VIII in the non-agricultural unincorporated areas of Marin County. ... Protected Tree and Heritage Tree. Any one of the following as indicated in the table below: Common Name / Botanical Name / Protected Size Diameter at Breast Height / Heritage Size Diameter at Breast Height. Blue oak / Q. douglasii / 6 inches / 18 inches. Coast live oak / Quercus agrifolia / 6 inches / 18 inches. Coast redwood / Sequoia sempervirens / 10 inches / 30 inches. Douglas-fir / Pseudotsuga menziesii / 10 inches / 30 inches. Valley oak / Q. lobata / 6 inches / 18 inches.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 2026 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
020, only to trees that meet the Article VIII definition of 'protected tree' on improved and unimproved lots in the non-agricultural unincorporated areas of the County; agricultural parcels and incorporated cities such as San Rafael and Novato fall outside it entirely. 030 supplies that definition with a species-by-species table measured by diameter at breast height. Oaks such as coast live oak, blue oak, California black oak, canyon live oak, and valley oak, along with narrow-leaved and arroyo willow, become 'protected' at 6 inches and 'heritage' at 18 inches.
Most other listed natives, including big-leaf maple, coast redwood, Douglas-fir, California bay, California buckeye, Pacific yew, and red alder, are protected at 10 inches and reach heritage status at 30 inches. Reaching the heritage threshold doesn't loosen the rules; it flags the tree as a higher priority in the Director's review under the Chapter's separate removal-permit and replacement provisions. 27 at all, so routine trimming or removal of small or non-listed species doesn't trigger the Chapter's permit process. 62.
Violations & Fines
Removing, or authorizing removal of, a tree that meets the Section 22.130.030 size threshold without following the Chapter 22.27 process is a violation the Director can pursue under Section 22.122 enforcement, which can include a Stop Work Order, misdemeanor citations for disregarding that order, and nuisance-abatement penalties up to $2,500 per violation per day, on top of any tree-replacement costs the Chapter otherwise requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree 'protected' under Marin County's code?
What's the difference between 'protected' and 'heritage' size?
Does this apply to my property in San Rafael or Novato?
Can I remove a small tree of a listed species?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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