Modesto protects all street and park trees under MMC Title 7, Chapter 5. Removal of any city-owned street tree requires advance approval from the Forestry Division and must be performed by a city-approved vendor. Private tree work near street trees also requires prior city approval and an encroachment permit.
MMC Title 7, Chapter 5 (Street Trees) vests authority over all street trees in the Public Works Director. No street tree may be removed, trimmed, or otherwise disturbed without prior written approval from the Community Forestry Division (209-342-2253). Approved tree vendors must hold an ISA Certified Arborist, carry current insurance in the city's PINS system, and obtain both a vendor approval and a project-specific encroachment permit before starting work. Tree removal permits are valid for 60 days. Trees are removed only when dead, dying, diseased, posing a safety hazard, obstructing traffic or utilities, or required for an authorized development project. Homeowners bear costs for removal and replacement; if replacement planting is not feasible, a fee equal to a
Unauthorized removal or damage to a street tree violates MMC Title 7, Chapter 5 and may result in administrative citations, mandatory replacement costs, and liability for the full appraised value of the removed tree.
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