Dublin, CA Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Dublin's tree-protection permit system is the Heritage Tree Ordinance, adopted in 1999 and codified at Municipal Code Chapter 5.60. A "heritage tree" is any oak, bay, cypress, maple, redwood, buckeye, or sycamore with a trunk of twenty-four (24) inches or more in diameter measured four (4) feet six (6) inches above natural grade, plus any tree required to be preserved by a prior development approval or planted as a replacement for an unlawfully removed tree (DMC 5.60.040). Per DMC 5.60.050(a), no one may remove, cause to be removed, or "effectively remove" (including extreme, disfiguring pruning) a heritage tree without a permit from the Director. Applicants apply through the City's Citizen Self Service portal with a drawing of trees to be removed, the reason, owner consent, a fee, and - if removal is for tree condition - a certified arborist's assessment (DMC 5.60.060). The Director inspects and weighs criteria including tree health and danger of falling, necessity for reasonable development, erosion and soil effects, and neighborhood shade, privacy, and scenic value, then decides within ten (10) working days of a complete application (DMC 5.60.060(D)). Exceptions cover immediate-hazard trees (with official approval) and removals approved within a development entitlement. Decisions may be appealed to the City Council. Planning Division: (925) 833-6610.