Tree removal in Pleasant Hill: the local rules

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

What Pleasant Hill's code says

Pleasant Hill code What Pleasant Hill's code adds
Exemptions	No permit before removal; a permit must be submitted within 5 days after removal. Applies: Immediate removal to prevent imminent danger, or restore utilities within 48 hours of a storm, when advance permits are infeasible; notify the City Manager promptly. § 18.100.040 · code text 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. No permit required. Applies: Trees marked To Be Removed on an approved subdivision map or development plan, after required review and an approved tree preservation and replacement plan. § 18.100.040 · code text 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). No permit required. Applies: Applies when the Zoning Administrator determines the tree is dead. § 18.100.040 · code text The Zoning Administrator determines that the tree is dead. No permit required. Applies: Applies to tree trimming that is not excessive trimming. § 18.100.040 · code text Tree trimming that does not constitute "excessive trimming" as defined in Section 18.100.020 (Definitions).
Permit to remove	Yes. A tree removal permit is required. Applies: Removing, relocating, excessively trimming, damaging or demolishing a protected or heritage tree. § 18.100.030 · code text 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.
Protected trees	Any native oak or indigenous tree with a trunk diameter of 9 inches or more. Applies: Trunk diameter measured 54 inches above the ground. § 18.100.030 · code text Any native oak tree or indigenous tree with a trunk diameter measurement of nine inches or larger. Nonnative trees, except eucalyptus and palms, with a trunk diameter of 18 inches or more. Applies: Trunk diameter measured 54 inches above the ground. § 18.100.030 · code text Nonnative trees, excluding Eucalyptus and Palm trees with a trunk diameter measurement of 18 inches or larger. Any tree to be preserved on an approved map or plan, or kept as a condition of approval or mitigation. § 18.100.030 · code text 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. Any tree required as a replacement for a tree removed unlawfully. § 18.100.030 · code text Any tree required to be planted as a replacement for an unlawfully removed tree. Any tree designated as a heritage tree. § 18.100.030 · code text Any tree designated as a "heritage tree" in compliance with Section 18.100.070 (Heritage Trees).
Replacement trees	At least 2 trees of 15-gallon size on the project site. Applies: Applies to a protected native or indigenous tree approved for removal. § 18.100.030 · code text A protected native or indigenous tree approved for removal shall be replaced by at least two 15-gallon trees on the project site. At least 1 tree of 15-gallon size on the project site. Applies: Applies to a protected nonnative tree approved for removal. § 18.100.030 · code text A protected nonnative tree approved for removal shall be replaced by at least one 15-gallon tree on the project site. No replacement required, except 1:1 on a site with a City-approved landscape plan or landscape maintenance agreement. Applies: Applies to dead trees removed after the Zoning Administrator finds them dead. § 18.100.040 · code text 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Pleasant Hill?

Pleasant Hill's code: No permit before removal; a permit must be submitted within 5 days after removal. (Immediate removal to prevent imminent danger, or restore utilities within 48 hours of a storm, when advance permits are infeasible; notify the City Manager promptly.) (§ 18.100.040); No permit required. (Trees marked To Be Removed on an approved subdivision map or development plan, after required review and an approved tree preservation and replacement plan.) (§ 18.100.040).

Tree removal in Pleasant Hill

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