Modesto Municipal Code Title 7 requires a permit from the Director of Public Works to remove any city street tree. When removal is authorized, the responsible party must replace the tree with a size and species approved by city staff; replacement permits are valid for 60 days.
MMC Title 7 (Public Works) establishes Modesto's Street Trees Ordinance, administered by the Community Forestry Division (209-342-2253). A permit from the Director of Public Works is required before any street tree is removed or significantly pruned. Permits are valid for 60 days. When a tree is removed, replacement is required; the replacement tree must be as near in size to the removed tree as practicable. If replanting the same species, owner approval is not needed, but alternate species must be approved by city staff. During construction projects, the property owner bears the cost of removal and replacement. Approved tree vendors are listed on the city's website. Residents may also request city-initiated removals for hazardous or dead trees.
Removing or damaging a street tree without a permit may result in fines, mandatory restoration, and reimbursement of the tree's appraised value to the city. The Director of Public Works may require replanting at the violator's expense.
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