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Chapter 17 — TREE PRESERVATION

17.080 Tree Protection Requirements.

Petaluma Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-09-25 · Petaluma

The Community Development Director shall determine, consistent with the “Tree Technical Manual” and any applicable conditions a discretionary development approval or other development permit approval, whether and to what extent measures will be required to protect the existing trees during construction. This decision shall be based upon the proximity of the area of construction activity to existing protected trees.

The protective measures shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • A. Prior to initiating any construction activity on a construction project, including demolition or grading, temporary protective fencing shall be installed at each site tree.

    1. Fencing shall be located at the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) illustrated on the Improvement Plans.

    2. Fencing shall serve as a barrier to prevent encroachment of any type by construction activities, equipment, materials storage, or personnel.

  • B. The Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is illustrated on the Improvement Plans and represents the area around each tree, or group of trees, which must be protected at all times with tree protection fencing.

    1. No encroachment into the TPZ is allowed at any time without approval from the project arborist.

    2. Any unauthorized entry into the TPZ is a violation of this Ordinance and shall be subject to enforcement through civil, criminal or administrative remedies, including applicable penalties.

  • C. Contractors and subcontractors shall direct all equipment and personnel to remain outside the fenced area at all times until project is complete, and shall instruct personnel and sub-contractors as to the purpose and importance of fencing and preservation.

  • D. No grading shall occur within the protective barriers without prior approval by the Director.

  • E. No attachments or wires other than those of a protective or non-damaging nature shall be attached to a protected tree.

The Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance is current through Ordinance 2907, passed September 8, 2025.

Page 10 of 11

Ch. 17 Tree Preservation | Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance

F. Excavation or landscape preparation within the protective barriers shall be limited to the use of hand tools and small hand held power tools and shall not be of a depth that could cause root damage.

G. When the existing grade around a protected tree is to be raised the project and/or City arborist shall provide written directions on which method(s) may be used to drain liquids away from the trunk.

H. When the existing grade around a protected tree is to be lowered the project and/or City arborist shall provide written directions on which method(s) may be used (terracing, retaining wall, etc) to allow the dripline to be left at the original grade.

I. No equipment, solvents, paint, asphalt, or debris of any kind shall be placed, stored, or allowed within the protective barrier.

Refer to the “TREE TECHNICAL MANUAL” for additional information on tree protection requirements.

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▸Contents — Petaluma Zoning Code
Petaluma Zoning Code
  1. Chapter 1 — PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY OF ZONING ORDINANCE
  2. Chapter 2
  3. Chapter 3 — DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
  4. Chapter 4 — ZONE DISTRICTS AND ALLOWABLE LAND USES
  5. Chapter 5 — OVERLAY ZONES
  6. Chapter 6 — FLOODWAY AND FLOOD PLAIN DISTRICTS
  7. Chapter 7 — STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES
  8. Chapter 8 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ESTABLISHMENT
  9. Chapter 9
  10. Chapter 10 — ADULT ORIENTED BUSINESS
  11. Chapter 11 — PARKING AND LOADING FACILITIES, OFF-STREET
  12. Chapter 12 — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS MODIFICATIONS
  13. Chapter 13
  14. Chapter 14 — LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
  15. Chapter 15
  16. Chapter 16
  17. ▸Chapter 17 — TREE PRESERVATION
    Overview
    1. 17.010 Purpose.
    2. 17.020 Applicability.
    3. 17.030 Exceptions.
    4. 17.035 Tree Technical Manual.
    5. 17.040 Protected Trees.
    6. 17.050 Preservation of Existing Trees in Development Proposals.
    7. 17.055 Project Arborist Requirements.
    8. 17.060 Tree Removal.
    9. 17.065 Tree Mitigation and Replacement.
    10. 17.070 Tree Protection and Preservation Plan.
    11. 17.080 Tree Protection Requirements.
    12. 17.090 Appeals, Extensions, Revocation.
    13. 17.100 Enforcement.
  18. Chapter 18 — PUBLIC ART
  19. Chapter 19 — PLANNED UNIT DISTRICT AND PLANNED COMMUNITY DISTR…
  20. Chapter 20 — SIGNS AND SIGN STRUCTURES
  21. Chapter 21 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
  22. Chapter 22 — NONCONFORMING USES
  23. Chapter 23
  24. Chapter 24
  25. Chapter 25 — AMENDMENTS
  26. Chapter 26 — ENFORCEMENT, VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES, ENACTMENT
  27. Chapter 27 — RESIDENTIAL DENSITY BONUS
  28. Chapter 28 — GLOSSARY

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