Tree removal permit rules: Anaheim vs Concord, California

A side-by-side comparison drawn from each city's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying full ordinance text, see the Anaheim ordinance page or the Concord ordinance page.

Side-by-side comparison

Field Anaheim Concord
Protected tree definition All street trees, parkway trees, and trees on public property are protected regardless of size. Development-related tree preservation applies to boundary trees and designated landscape trees per the Zoning Code. 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.
Heritage / landmark trees Heritage/Landmark Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value. 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.
Who can apply Property owner, adjacent property owner (for parkway trees), or authorized agent with arborist report Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report
Replacement ratio 1:1 minimum for street/parkway trees; development mitigation per approved landscape plan 1:1 minimum; 2:1 for heritage trees or native oaks
Replacement details Replacement from approved Street Tree List; 15-gallon or 24-inch box minimum depending on location. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. 15-gallon minimum replacement from approved native species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.
Typical processing time 4-6 weeks 4-6 weeks
Permit fee Not documented Not documented
Permitting department Public Works Department Community Development Department
Municipal code View ordinance → View ordinance →

How they differ

Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Anaheim or Concord?
Both Anaheim and Concord maintain heritage / landmark tree designations. Anaheim: Heritage/Landmark Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value. Concord: 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…
Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Anaheim or Concord?
Anaheim publishes a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks; Concord publishes 4-6 weeks. Compare each city's published timeline and plan removal accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may shorten the wait in either city.
Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Anaheim or Concord?
Anaheim requires a replacement ratio of 1:1 minimum for street/parkway trees; development mitigation per approved landscape plan. Concord requires a replacement ratio of 1:1 minimum; 2:1 for heritage trees or native oaks. Anaheim: Replacement from approved Street Tree List; 15-gallon or 24-inch box minimum depending on location. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. Concord: 15-gallon minimum replacement from approved native species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.

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