Tree Permit Help & Arborist Reports in Dublin, CA

Tree permit help is for Dublin homeowners who need to remove, or seriously work on, a tree the city protects. The rules live in Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 5.60, the Heritage Tree Ordinance, and arborist reports come into it more often than people expect. We explain what the city asks for, help you gather what you can provide yourself, and plan the tree work around the decision. We are not the city, and we do not write arborist reports, but knowing the steps ahead of time saves a lot of guesswork.

Is your tree covered?

The ordinance applies to all property in Dublin, private yards included. A heritage tree is:

• An oak, bay, cypress, maple, redwood, buckeye or sycamore with a trunk at least 24 inches in diameter at 4 feet 6 inches above natural grade.
• A tree that an approved development plan, zoning permit, use permit, site development review or subdivision map required to be preserved.
• A tree planted as a replacement for one removed unlawfully.

If you live in a newer neighborhood, the second item is worth checking. Ask the city's planning staff whether your lot has trees that were conditioned to remain.

What the permit application includes

The code lists the contents: a drawing showing existing trees and the location, type and size of each tree proposed for removal; a short statement of why; written consent from the owner of record; a nonrefundable fee; and anything else the Director asks for. When removal is based on the tree's condition, the city may require a determination of its health from a certified arborist, and it may require a deposit if it retains its own arborist. Check the city's current fee schedule for the amount.

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What an arborist report is

An arborist report is a written assessment of one or more trees by an arborist. For a removal request it usually identifies the species, measures the trunk, describes the tree's health and structure, notes defects such as decay, cracks or root problems, rates the risk the tree poses to people and property, and gives a recommendation. Dublin's code defines a certified or consulting arborist as one registered with the International Society of Arboriculture and approved by the Director, so the city decides whose report it accepts. We can explain what the report is likely to cover and coordinate the site visit, but the report has to come from that certified arborist.

Building near a heritage tree

If you are applying for a grading, building or demolition permit on a property with heritage trees, the code requires a tree protection plan prepared and signed by a certified arborist and approved by the Director before permits are issued. The plan covers how roots and trunk will be protected from excavation, stored materials, runoff and soil compaction.

How the decision is made

The Director weighs the tree's health and risk of falling, its closeness to buildings, interference with utilities, whether removal is needed for reasonable use of the property, effects on erosion and drainage, and the tree's value to the neighborhood for shade, privacy and scenery. The code calls for a decision within 10 working days of a complete application. Approval can come with conditions, such as planting replacement trees. Decisions can be appealed to the City Council within 14 days of written notice.

Why it is worth doing properly

Unlawful removal or damage of a heritage tree carries a civil penalty of twice the tree's appraised value, plus appraisal costs and replacement planting. The permit path is slower, but it costs far less.