Per the Town’s Tree Preservation Ordinance, Section 32-79 of the Town of Danville’s Municipal Code, a Tree Removal Permit may be required to remove a tree within the Town boundaries.

To submit an application:

1. Please fill out a Planning Application Form, describe the reason for the request (which clearly states why the tree needs to be removed),
2. Include a Certified Arborist report if requested by the Planning Division,
3. Attach an approximate site plan detailing where the subject tree is located (with respect to the home, street, fence, etc.), and
4. Submit to the Town of Danville Planning Division with the applicable processing fee.

Tree Removal Permit Frequently Asked Questions

1. I think my neighbor is cutting down a protected tree. What do I do?

1. Contact the Town’s Planning Division at (925) 314-3310 to talk to the Planner of the day immediately.

2. When do I need a permit to remove a tree?

1. When the tree is considered “protected”, either by size, by species or both.

3. Which species are “protected”?

1. See Section 32-79 for complete information.  A brief list is provided here.

1. Coast Live Oak (Quercus Agrfolia)

2. Valley Oak (Quercus Lobata)

3. Canyon Live Oak (Quercus Chrysol)

4. Blue Oak (Quercus Doulgassi)

5. California Black Oak (Quercus Kelloggi)

6. Interior Live Oak (Quercus Wislizenii)

7. White Alder (Alnus Rhombifolia)

8. California Bay (Umbellularia California)

9. California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica)

10. California Sycamore (Platanus Racemosa)

11. Madrone (Arbutus Menziesii)

12. London Plane Tree (Platanus Acerifolia)

4. How is a tree considered “protected” by size?

1. Trees protected because of its size are called “Heritage Trees”. All Heritage Trees are considered protected regardless of species. A tree is considered to be a “Heritage Tree” when its diameter measures 36 inches or greater measured 4.5 feet above the ground.

5. How do I determine the diameter of a tree?

1. First wrap measuring tape (or use ribbon if your tape measure is not made of fabric) around the tree trunk at 4.5 feet above grade to measure circumference.  Then, divide this value by 3.14 to determine approximate diameter.

6. Who reviews the Tree Removal Permit application? Who do I call with other questions?

1. The Town’s Planning Division; call (925) 314-3310 to talk to the Planner of the day.