Concord Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Contra Costa County, California

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

6.0" DBH minimum for protection

Protected Tree: any tree 6+ inches DBH within the structural setback of creeks or streams, any native oak 6+ inches DBH city-wide, and heritage trees designated by Council. Street trees on public property are protected regardless of size.

Protected Species

Valley Oak Coast Live Oak Interior Live Oak California Sycamore California Buckeye

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage Trees designated by Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical significance, or community value; automatic designation for riparian trees meeting threshold in creek/stream corridors.

Permit Requirements

Tree Removal Permit required for any protected tree. Development projects require a Tree Preservation Plan and arborist report. Creekside protected trees require additional riparian review.

Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report

Required Report Sections

Tree inventory, species, DBH, canopy dripline, condition/health assessment, impact analysis, tree protection measures, replacement plan

Replacement Requirements

1:1 minimum; 2:1 for heritage trees or native oaks

15-gallon minimum replacement from approved native species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Concord Municipal Code Title 18 (Development Code) and Chapter 122 (Tree Preservation)

View full ordinance

Contact

Community Development Department

Nearby Cities in Contra Costa County

Walnut Creek

Other California cities

Anaheim Beverly Hills Carlsbad Fresno San Jose Sunnyvale Thousand Oaks Walnut Creek
See all California cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Concord before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Concord →

See California replacement obligations compared: How Concord's replacement ratio ranks in California →

See California heritage criteria compared: How Concord's heritage designation ranks in California →

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