Napa, CA Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

Napa's tree-replacement framework is codified in the Replacement Program subsection of Chapter 12.45 of the Napa Municipal Code (https://ecode360.com/43393111). For each six inches or fraction thereof of the diameter of the removed Protected Native Tree, the permittee must plant two trees of the same species as the removed tree (or another species with Director approval) at a minimum 15-gallon container size, or larger as determined by the Director, on the project site. The ratio scales with tree size: a removed 12-inch DBH oak produces 4 replacement trees (2 trees per 6 inches x 2); an 18-inch DBH oak produces 6; a 24-inch DBH oak produces 8; a 36-inch DBH Coast Redwood produces 12 replacement trees. If the project site is too small to accommodate the replacements, the Director may, on recommendation, allow planting on public property or accept an in-lieu fee per 15-gallon replacement tree - in-lieu fee amounts are set by City Council resolution and adjusted annually, including the cost of planting. Funds collected support tree-related educational and planting programs. Each replacement tree must be planted within 60 days of approval (or other reasonable time approved by the Director, or per the conditions of any discretionary permit). The Director requires a security in an amount sufficient to cover maintenance and protection for three years; the security is returned if, in the Director's judgment, the replacement trees are healthy and free of defects at the end of the three-year period. Any replacement tree that is not healthy or defect-free at three years must be replaced and the security re-posted until the tree is well established. Replacement species recommendations align with California-Friendly and California Native Plant Society lists for USDA Hardiness Zone 9b: oaks, California Bay, Coast Redwood, Pacific Madrone, Western Sycamore, Toyon, and Manzanita. Major development sites with one acre or more disturbance also trigger State Water Board Construction General Permit erosion-and-sediment-control requirements administered through the Napa County Resource Conservation District.