How to apply for a tree removal permit in Dublin, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Dublin's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 24" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Heritage trees: 24+ inches diameter (75.36 inches circumference) at 4.5 feet, plus certain species. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees defined under Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 5.60: any tree with 24-inch or greater trunk diameter (75.36-inch circumference) at 4.5 feet automatically qualifies, plus oaks, California buckeyes, and additional native species at lower thresholds. Designation by City Council also available for exceptional historical or community significance.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Dublin: Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification (with native-species verification for oaks and California buckeye at the lower threshold), DBH (24+ inch heritage threshold or lower native-species threshold), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan emphasizing oak and California buckeye. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist with oak and California buckeye identification expertise (lower native-species threshold under DMC Chapter 5.60).

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Community Development Department. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Dublin/html/Dublin05/Dublin0560.html.

    View the full Dublin ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for heritage tree removal under DMC Chapter 5.60; in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. 15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved native species list; heritage tree replacements emphasize oak and California buckeye to maintain canopy continuity at the protected-species threshold.

Where to file

Community Development Department

Other California permit walkthroughs

See California replacement obligations compared — how Dublin's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See California heritage criteria compared — how Dublin's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Dublin permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Dublin's required report sections. Free, no account required.

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