Tree removal in Pittsburg: the local rules

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

What Pittsburg's code says

Pittsburg code What Pittsburg's code adds
Exemptions	Removal may be ordered by an authorized official in an emergency. Applies: The tree is hazardous or dangerous to life or property. § 18.84.845 · code text In cases of emergency when a tree is hazardous or dangerous to life or property, it may be removed by order of the chief of police, by the chief of the Contra Costa County fire protection district, by the zoning administrator, director of community and economic development or his or her designee, or by the director of public works or his or her designee; Trees whose removal was approved in a plan, subdivision, project or building permit before the tree rules took effect. Applies: Approvals given before the tree rules took effect. § 18.84.845 · code text Any tree whose removal was specifically approved as a part of an approved development plan, subdivision, other discretionary project or a building permit, approved prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit is required. Applies: Protected trees on property other than city-owned land or public right-of-way. § 18.84.845 · code text A protected tree may only be removed, including a cut-down, destruction, removal or relocation of any protected tree growing on property other than city-owned property or other public right-of-way within the city limits, upon approval of a tree removal permit issued by the zoning administrator, planning commission or city council, as applicable.
Replacement trees	The applicant must propose when and how removed trees will be replaced. Applies: Tree removal permit applications. § 18.84.850 · code text The applicant shall propose the time and manner in which the removed tree(s) will be replaced, subject to the requirements of this article.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Pittsburg's code: Yes, a tree removal permit is required. (Protected trees on property other than city-owned land or public right-of-way.) (§ 18.84.845); The applicant must propose when and how removed trees will be replaced. (Tree removal permit applications.) (§ 18.84.850).

Tree removal in Pittsburg

What Pittsburg's code says

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