How to apply for a tree removal permit in Walnut Creek, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Walnut Creek'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 9" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Trees larger than 9 inches diameter (28 inches circumference) at 4.5 feet. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees designated by the Design Review Commission and City Council under Walnut Creek Municipal Code Chapter 3-8 for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; any tree with 9-inch or greater diameter (28-inch circumference) measured at 4.5 feet automatically subject to permit review.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

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

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH (9+ inch threshold measured at 4.5 feet), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved Walnut Creek native species list; Heritage Tree applications additionally require Design Review Commission materials. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; Heritage Tree applications additionally require materials suitable for Design Review Commission review under WCMC Chapter 3-8.

  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/WalnutCreek/html/WalnutCreek03/WalnutCreek0308.html.

    View the full Walnut Creek ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under WCMC Chapter 3-8; 2:1 inch-for-inch for heritage trees at Design Review Commission discretion. 15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved Walnut Creek native species list; in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Community Development Department

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Walnut Creek permit?

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

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