A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to establish standards to protect and preserve trees throughout the City by identifying clear processes and procedures for the removal and replacement of trees.
B. 
Applicability. The standards of this Chapter apply to any person, firm, corporation, private or public utility, or governmental entity responsible for the removal, relocation, alteration, damage, or demolition of a protected tree or heritage tree. City initiated projects shall also be subject to the provisions of this Chapter unless specifically exempted by the City Council.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
The following definitions apply to the standards of this Chapter.
A. 
Damage.
Damage means any intentional action or gross negligence, which causes injury, death or disfigurement of a tree. Actions include, but are not limited to, cutting, girdling, poisoning, overwatering, soil compaction, unauthorized relocation or transportation of a tree, or trenching, excavating, altering the grade, or paving within the dripline or tree protection zone (if specified) of a tree.
B. 
Dead Tree.
Dead tree means a tree that is dead or that has been damaged beyond repair or is in an advanced state of decline (where an insufficient amount of live tissue, green leaves, limbs, or branches exist to sustain life) and has been determined to be such by the Zoning Administrator.
C. 
Excessive Trimming.
Excessive trimming means any of the following and is a prohibited act that constitutes removal:
1. 
Removing more than 25% of the functioning leaf, stem, or root area within 12 months. Excessive trimming is potentially injurious to the tree resulting in the tree appearing as a "bonsai," "lion's tailed," or "lolly-popped," or overly thinned.
2. 
Removal of the leaf or stem area predominantly on one side, topping, or excessive tree canopy or crown raising. Exceptions may be considered by the Zoning Administrator subject to review and approval of a tree removal when such trimming is determined by the Zoning Administrator to be the only feasible way to provide necessary clearance from overhead utilities or public improvements or to abate a hazardous condition or public nuisance, or when the trimming is recommended by a certified arborist due to the health and/or structure of the tree.
3. 
The cutting of any root two inches or greater in diameter and/or severing more than 25% of the roots and/or pruning not in compliance with ANSI A-300, Part I pruning standard for trees, or the International Society of Arboriculture Pruning Best Management Practices (latest available revision of each).
D. 
Hazardous Tree.
A hazardous tree is considered one that possesses a structural defect which poses an imminent risk if the tree or part of the tree would fall on someone or something of value. Structural defect means any structural weakness or deformity of a tree or its parts.
E. 
Tree Removal.
Tree removal means any of the following:
1. 
Complete tree removal such as cutting to the ground or extraction of the tree; and
2. 
Taking any action foreseeably leading to the death of a tree or permanent damage to its health or structural integrity, including but not limited to excessive trimming, cutting, girdling, poisoning, over-watering, unauthorized relocation or transportation of a tree, or trenching, excavating, altering the grade, or paving within the dripline area of a tree.
F. 
Tree Protection Zone (TPZ).
The TPZ is a restricted activity zone where soil disturbance, storage or parking of vehicles, storage of any other materials or chemicals, and/or alteration of drainage is not allowed, unless otherwise approved by the City. The project arborist or a City arborist shall designate the area of the TPZ with a temporary fenced tree enclosure designed to protect the tree and its roots from disturbance. Within the TPZ, roots that are critical for tree survival are typically found in the upper three-foot soil horizon and may extend beyond the dripline of the tree.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
General Requirements. No person, firm, corporation, private or public utility, or governmental entity shall remove, relocate, excessively trim, damage, or demolish a protected tree or heritage tree before obtaining a tree removal permit from the Zoning Administrator or approval from another applicable City decision-making body.
B. 
Protected Trees. For the purposes of this Chapter, all of the following are classified as "protected trees":
1. 
Any native oak tree or indigenous tree with a trunk diameter measurement of nine inches or larger. Indigenous trees include but are not limited to: Alnus Oregona (Red Alder), Acer Macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple), Aesculus Californica (California Buckeye), Arbutus Menziesii (Madrone), Umbellularia Californica (California Bay or Laurel), Juglans Hindsii (California Black Walnut), Platanus Racemosa (California Sycamore), or Sambucus Mexicana (Elderberry). The California Native Plant Society's Calscape list of indigenous/native trees for the Bay Area can be referenced to determine whether a tree is considered native or indigenous to the region.
2. 
Nonnative trees, excluding Eucalyptus and Palm trees with a trunk diameter measurement of 18 inches or larger. Nonnative trees include species such as Sequoia Sempervirens (Coastal Redwood), Pinus Canariensis (Canary Island Pine), Pinus Halepensis (Aleppo Pine), Pinus Pinea (Italian Stone Pine), Pinus Radiata (Monterey Pine), Ulmus Americana (American Elm), Ulmus Parvifolia (Chinese Elm), Ulmus Pumila (Siberian Elm), Liquidambar Styraciflua (American Sweet Gum), Cedrus Deodara (Deodar Cedar), Cedrus Atlantica (Atlas Cedar), Fraxinus Uhdei (Shamel Ash), Fraxinus American (White Ash), Fraxinus Augustifolia (Raywood Ash), Cupressus (Cypress species), Morus Alba (Fruit/Fruitless Mulberry), Chinese Pistache, Robinia Pseudoacacia (Black Locust), Pyrus Calleryana (Bradford Pear), Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor).
3. 
Any tree shown to be preserved on an approved tentative map, development, or site plan or required to be retained as a condition of approval or environmental mitigation measure.
4. 
Any tree required to be planted as a replacement for an unlawfully removed tree.
5. 
Any tree designated as a "heritage tree" in compliance with Section 18.100.070 (Heritage Trees).
Note: See subsection C of this Section for definition of trunk diameter measurement.
C. 
Trunk Diameter Measurement. For the purposes of this Chapter, the trunk diameter shall be measured using the following parameters:
1. 
Point of measurement shall start at 54 inches (DBH) above the existing ground surface adjacent to the trunk of the tree.
2. 
The width of the tree shall be measured from one side of the trunk to the opposite side, or alternatively, measure the circumference of the tree's trunk (in inches) and divide by pi (3.14).
3. 
For trees located on a slope, the trunk diameter shall be measured from the midpoint between the lowest and highest point of existing grade adjacent to the tree trunk.
4. 
For trees with more than one trunk, the combined diameter of all trunks measured at 54 inches (DBH) above the ground shall be the diameter of that individual tree.
Figure 18.100-1: Tree Trunk Diameter Measurements
D. 
Arborist Report Required. Any application for a tree removal permit shall include a letter report prepared by a certified arborist addressing the health/condition of the tree, the rationale for removal, the feasibility of any alternatives to removal, and any recommendations for replacement trees.
E. 
Criteria for Tree Removal Review. The Zoning Administrator, or other applicable review authority, shall consider the following factors in determining whether to approve the removal of a tree(s):
1. 
Health or physical condition of the tree;
2. 
Any potential hazard or any risk presented by the tree determined using the ANSI A-300, part 9 Standard for Tree Risk Assessment;
3. 
Whether the tree is causing a public nuisance and/or a public safety hazard;
4. 
Potential for the tree to be a detriment to other protected trees due to its location, overcrowding, or its health;
5. 
Evidence of significant damage to property caused, or likely to be caused, by the tree;
6. 
Any potential historic or cultural significance of the tree;
7. 
Whether the tree substantially inhibits sunlight necessary for the operation of active or passive solar heating, cooling or energy generation and trimming or thinning is not a feasible alternative to removal;
8. 
Whether the tree is obstructing proposed improvements that cannot be reasonably designed to avoid tree removal;
9. 
Whether the tree is located in close proximity to a structure in a high fire hazard area and removal is necessary to create defensible space per applicable fire safety laws, regulations or Fire District requirements;
10. 
Whether preservation of the tree(s) would render a site undevelopable, and the Planning Commission or City Council has determined that no economically viable use can be made of underlying or adjacent property if the tree is not removed and that every reasonable effort has been made to retain the tree;
11. 
Feasibility of alternatives to removal of the tree (for example, depending on the circumstances, abandonment in place of a natural gas pipeline that is over 30 years old and relocation of the pipeline may be deemed a feasible alternative);
12. 
Any other circumstances deemed relevant by the Zoning Administrator or other review authority based on site conditions, technical analyses, and/or the location of the tree.
F. 
Third-Party Peer Review Arborist. When deemed necessary by the Zoning Administrator or other applicable review authority, a third-party peer review prepared by a certified arborist, board certified master arborist, or registered consulting arborist may be required (at the cost of the applicant) to perform one or more of the following analyses:
1. 
Review the applicant's arborist report and/or tree preservation and replacement plan,
2. 
Physically inspect and evaluate the tree(s) proposed for removal,
3. 
Provide a written analysis to include the peer review arborist's findings and recommendations, or
4. 
Provide recommendations regarding tree replacement.
G. 
Replacement Trees Required.
1. 
Replacement Ratios. Unless otherwise specified by the Zoning Administrator or other applicable review authority, the replacement ratios for tree removal shall be as follows:
a. 
A protected native or indigenous tree approved for removal shall be replaced by at least two 15-gallon trees on the project site.
b. 
A protected nonnative tree approved for removal shall be replaced by at least one 15-gallon tree on the project site.
c. 
In addition to the requirements in Subsections G.1.a and G.1.b of this Section, removal of any protected tree, as part of an areawide program and/or discretionary development plan, that is located within or adjacent to the public right-of-way along Contra Costa Boulevard or within or adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail, may also be subject to additional mitigation requirements to address potential adverse communitywide social, economic, or environmental impacts of tree removals. Adverse impacts (individual or cumulative) that may require additional mitigation may include, but not be limited to, biological values, aesthetics, loss of shade, economic vitality, air quality, vehicle speed, community identity, and other similar factors, resulting directly or indirectly from tree removal and the substantial length of time required for replacement trees to reach the same level of maturity and therefore provide the same functionality and benefits as the trees that are removed.
2. 
Replacement Tree Species. The species of the replacement trees shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator or other applicable review authority.
3. 
Off-Site Replacement. Off-site tree replacement may be considered if the project site already has a significant mature tree population, to prevent overcrowding or infringement on existing structures. Adequate provisions for maintenance of the replacement tree shall be specified, subject to approval by the Planning Commission.
4. 
Replacement Infeasible. If it is determined that on-site or off-site replacement of trees is not currently feasible due to lack of adequate space on site or lack of a suitable and available off-site location, the applicable review authority may, at its discretion, allow one of the following alternatives.
a. 
Have the applicant pay an in lieu fee to the City for provision of off-site trees at the ratio recommended in Subsection G.1 of this Section. The in lieu fee shall be based on the estimated value of the replacement tree(s) including any installation and maintenance costs and shall be approved by the applicable review authority.
b. 
For a tree removal on a single-family residential property, the review authority may reduce or waive the tree replacement requirement, as appropriate.
c. 
Require additional mitigation measures for each tree removed within or adjacent to Contra Costa Boulevard and/or within or adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail (see Subsection G.1.c of this Section).
5. 
Maintenance. Replacement trees shall be properly maintained by the permittee to ensure their survival.
a. 
Replacement trees on single-family residential sites shall be maintained for a minimum of two years after planting.
b. 
Replacement trees on all other sites shall be maintained as noted in any landscape maintenance agreement and/or City approved landscape plan or tree preservation and replacement plan applicable to the site.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A Tree Removal Permit is not required before removal of a protected tree under any of the following circumstances:
A. 
Removal is determined necessary by Contra Costa Fire Protection District personnel actively engaged in fighting a fire.
B. 
Removal of trees on property owned by the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District.
C. 
Immediate removal is required to prevent imminent danger to life or property, such as with a "hazardous tree" as defined in Section 18.100.020 (Definitions) or if necessary to restore utility service within 48 hours of a storm, and the City Manager or their designee has been notified of the removal at the earliest opportunity, and it is not feasible to obtain a permit before removal. In the case of immediate removal, a tree removal permit shall be submitted within five days following removal to ensure that the provisions of this Chapter and any other applicable provisions of the Municipal Code or applicable land use entitlements are satisfied.
D. 
The tree is held for sale as part of a licensed nursery business.
E. 
The tree(s) are designated as "To Be Removed" on an approved subdivision map (tentative map or parcel map) or development plan provided that the tree removal has been reviewed and approved by the decision-making body for the subdivision map and/or development plan based on the criteria in Section 18.100.030E and a tree preservation and replacement plan has been approved in accordance with Section 18.100.050 (Preservation and Replacement Plan).
F. 
The Zoning Administrator determines that the tree is dead.
1. 
The Zoning Administrator may require submittal of a report from a licensed arborist if deemed necessary to verify the condition of the tree.
2. 
A fee shall not be required for a determination by the Zoning Administrator that a tree is dead.
3. 
Dead trees that are removed shall not require replacement unless located on a site with a City-approved landscape plan or landscape maintenance agreement, in which case, the dead tree shall be replaced on a 1:1 basis.
G. 
Tree trimming that does not constitute "excessive trimming" as defined in Section 18.100.020 (Definitions).
H. 
A governmental entity or a public or private utility determines the removal of a tree(s) is exempt from this Chapter by Federal or State law, regulation, or administrative order. A copy of such statute, regulation, or order shall be provided to the Zoning Administrator for approval.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
General Requirements. A tree preservation and replacement plan prepared by a State licensed or certified professional shall be submitted when:
1. 
A discretionary land use entitlement application includes removal of protected trees. This provision does not apply to an entitlement involving only one single-family residence where the Zoning Administrator may administratively require tree protection measures as needed if a proposed development has the potential to adversely impact a protected tree.
2. 
Required by the Zoning Administrator or other applicable review authority as a condition of a Tree Removal Permit approval.
B. 
Content Requirements. The tree preservation and replacement plan shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Administrator or other applicable city decision making body and shall include:
1. 
A map and inventory showing the location, species, health rating, size, and a unique tree number for all trees on the site. The trees to be removed, relocated, or demolished shall be labeled "To Be Removed" or marked with an "X" and the inventory shall indicate by notation why removal of each tree is necessary based on the criteria included in Section 18.100.030E (Permit Required).
2. 
A report from a certified arborist, board certified master arborist, or registered consulting arborist describing the condition of all existing trees, the anticipated impacts of grading, trenching, and construction on the protected trees and recommending specific protective measures to be implemented before commencement of grading or construction to minimize potential adverse impacts on protected trees. The report shall designate TPZs for each protected tree and/or group of protected trees that are proposed to remain on-site and the additional measures such as protective fencing, staking, and signage necessary to avoid inadvertent damage to protected trees during grading and construction. All required tree protection measures shall also be included with the grading and/or construction documents for the development.
3. 
A replanting plan prepared by a licensed landscape architect or other professional approved by the City for replacement of each tree removed as required by the Zoning Administrator or other applicable City decision-making body. The planting plan shall include replacement trees as required in accordance with Section 18.100.030G and shall conform with ANSI A-300 Standard Part XXX (Planting).
4. 
Provisions to ensure ongoing maintenance of any required replacement trees.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
To ensure the safety and well-being of existing protected trees that may be impacted by grading or construction and/or any replacement trees required to be planted in accordance with this Chapter, the Zoning Administrator or other applicable review authority may, at its discretion, require an applicant to post a cash deposit or other performance security acceptable to the City guaranteeing that each such tree will be protected against harm from grading or construction and will be adequately maintained. The performance security shall be posted with the Zoning Administrator before issuance of grading permits and shall be governed by the following provisions:
A. 
The Zoning Administrator shall establish the amount of the performance security which shall be equal to the estimated value of the protected trees.
B. 
The performance security shall remain in effect for a period of five years, or two years for single-family residential sites following the date of final inspection and acceptance of the development project by the City.
C. 
The performance security shall provide that if the City determines that a protected tree has been removed, permanently damaged, or destroyed due to development activity during the effective period of the performance security, the City is entitled to recover the face amount of the performance security.
D. 
At the expiration of the effective period of the performance security, if the city determines that the protected trees have not been removed, permanently damaged, or destroyed due to development activity, the performance security shall be refunded, or the surety bond terminated.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Chapter, a tree which is enrolled in the City's Heritage Tree Program may not be removed, relocated, damaged, or demolished, and no permit or tree preservation and replacement plan authorizing such action may be issued, unless the Zoning Administrator or other applicable City decision-making body determines that the tree poses a hazard to property or danger of disease or infection to surrounding healthy trees.
A. 
Eligibility. Any native or indigenous tree in the city with a trunk diameter measurement of 16 inches or more or any tree grouping in the city with at least one tree of this diameter is eligible for enrollment in the Heritage Tree Program, with the consent of the property owner.
B. 
Enrollment. The Zoning Administrator shall review and approve applications for enrollment in the Heritage Tree Program unless an eligible tree or tree grouping is unhealthy and cannot be saved. Upon approval of an application, the Zoning Administrator shall:
1. 
Record the location and the plant number of each tree or tree grouping.
2. 
Obtain a color photograph of the tree or tree grouping at the time of its enrollment.
3. 
Affix a plaque on the tree or tree grouping identifying:
a. 
The scientific name of the tree(s);
b. 
The common name of the tree(s);
c. 
The plaque number (i.e., Heritage Tree No. _____); and
d. 
The name of the owner.
4. 
Award a certificate to each property owner enrolling a tree or tree grouping in the program, expressing the appreciation of the City and its citizens.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
The Zoning Administrator or other applicable review authority may impose reasonable conditions of approval on a tree removal permit, consistent with the purposes of this Chapter, to ensure safe and unobtrusive tree removal, replacement, relocation, and demolition; maintenance of replacement trees; and protection of trees not approved to be removed. It shall be a violation of this Chapter for any property owner or agent of the owner to fail to comply with any condition of approval or other requirement in accordance with this Chapter.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
In addition to all other remedies established in the municipal code or otherwise provided by law, the following remedies shall be available to the City for violation of this Chapter:
A. 
For unlawful removal or damage of a native oak tree or heritage tree, a civil penalty may be imposed at the discretion of the City in an amount not to exceed $1,000 per tree unlawfully removed or damaged, or the replacement value of each such tree. Such amount shall be payable to the City. Failure to pay this penalty may result in imposition of a lien or special assessment on the property in the amount of the penalty and any additional costs incurred by the City in addressing the violation.
B. 
Replacement value for the purposes of this Section shall be determined utilizing "trunk formula method" as specified in the most recent edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal, published by the International Society of Arboriculture.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
The Zoning Administrator may refer any tree removal permit application directly to the Planning Commission (or Architectural Review Commission if the removal is on a site with a landscape plan previously approved by the Architectural Review Commission).
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
An approved Tree Removal Permit shall be valid for a period of 12 months from the approval date, unless the tree is removed, or the permit is renewed by the Zoning Administrator or other review authority that originally approved the permit.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
Any decision to approve or deny a Tree Removal Permit may be appealed by the applicant or any interested party in accordance with the procedures specified in Chapter 18.185 (Appeals and Calls for Review).
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)