Tree removal in Orinda: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Orinda Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Orinda's code says

Orinda code What Orinda's code adds
Exemptions	No permit is required. Applies: A hazard needs immediate action to protect life or property; the reason and location must be documented or communicated. § 17.21.3 · code text When a hazardous or dangerous condition requires immediate action to protect life or property; No permit is required. Applies: Emergencies ordered by a fire official, Public Works Director, Parks and Recreation Director, or City Manager; reason and location documented. § 17.21.3 · code text Under emergency conditions when ordered by a fire official, the Public Works Director, Parks and Recreation Director or City Manager; No permit is required. Applies: To keep creeks and waterways flowing for flood safety, as the City Engineer determines; reason and location documented or communicated. § 17.21.3 · code text To maintain an unobstructed flow of water for flood control safety in creek beds and waterways as determined by the City Engineer; No permit is required. Applies: When the Moraga-Orinda Fire District requires it for Fire Code compliance; the reason and location must be documented or communicated. § 17.21.3 · code text When required by the Moraga-Orinda Fire District for Fire Code compliance; No permit is required. Applies: When needed to comply with any local, federal, or state law; the reason and location must be documented or communicated. § 17.21.3 · code text When alteration, removal, or destruction of a protected tree is required for compliance with any local, federal, or state law; No permit is required. Applies: When needed at a specific property to keep or obtain insurance; the reason and location must be documented or communicated. § 17.21.3 · code text When alteration, removal, or destruction of a protected tree is required at a specified property to retain or obtain insurance coverage.
Permit to remove	Yes, a Category I or Category II permit is required. Applies: Applies to removing or destroying a protected tree. § 17.21.3 · code text No person may remove or destroy a protected tree without a Category I or Category II permit as provided in Sections 17.21.4 and 17.21.5. Yes, apply for a tree permit together with the building or grading permit. Applies: Applies when construction on a lot with a protected tree may remove or destroy that tree. § 17.21.5 · code text A person applying for a building or grading permit, or an application which may subsequently require a building or grading permit, on a lot with a protected tree shall concurrently apply for a tree permit if construction related activity may remove or destroy a protected tree. Yes, an application and fee are required. Applies: Applies to removing a protected tree where no grading, building, or development is proposed. § 17.21.4 · code text A person who desires to remove or destroy a protected tree from a property upon which grading, building or development is not proposed, shall file an application on a form provided by the city, together with the fee fixed by resolution of the City Council.
Replacement trees	Plant 1 native tree at least 0.75 inches in diameter for each 6 inches, or part, of total removed diameter. Applies: Applies to protected trees approved for removal with a development project (Category II permit). § 17.21.5 · code text For each six inches or fraction thereof of the aggregate diameter of trees approved for destruction or removal, the applicant shall plant 1 native tree with a diameter no less than 0.75 inches. Up to 1/3 of replacement trees may be native shrubs that grow to at least 5 feet. Applies: Applies to replacement planting for protected trees. § 17.21.5 · code text One-third of the replacement tree requirement may be fulfilled by planting native shrubs that mature at a height no less than five feet. Replacement trees may be planted on public or private property elsewhere in Orinda. Applies: When the site cannot fit them, with written approval of the decision-maker and the property owner. § 17.21.5 · code text If the development site cannot accommodate the replacement trees, with the written approval of the decision-maker and the property owner, the applicant may plant the replacement trees on public or private property located in Orinda. $125.00 for each replacement tree otherwise required. Applies: An in-lieu payment the applicant may choose when the site cannot fit the replacement trees. § 17.21.5 · code text Alternatively, the applicant may make an in lieu payment of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00) for each replacement tree otherwise required. Replacement may be required as a permit condition. Applies: Applies to removal permits not tied to a development application. § 17.21.4 · code text The permit may include reasonable conditions such as replacement in accordance with the provisions of Subsection 17.21.5.F.2 or moving the tree to a suitable location on the site.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Orinda?

Orinda's code: No permit is required. (A hazard needs immediate action to protect life or property; the reason and location must be documented or communicated.) (§ 17.21.3); No permit is required. (Emergencies ordered by a fire official, Public Works Director, Parks and Recreation Director, or City Manager; reason and location documented.) (§ 17.21.3).

Tree removal in Orinda

What Orinda's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Orinda property

More on building on your lot in Orinda