In Walnut Creek, you generally need a city permit to remove a tree on your own property once its trunk reaches 28 inches around. Native oaks and several other species get extra protection, and removing a tree without a permit can bring criminal and civil penalties.

If you are buying a home with a big yard, or planning an addition or a pool, here is what the city's tree ordinance says and what I would check first.

Which trees need a permit in Walnut Creek?

Chapter 3-8 of the Walnut Creek Municipal Code covers trees on private property. It defines a tree as a live woody plant with a single trunk of 28 inches or more in circumference, or a multi-trunk plant with an aggregate circumference of 40 inches or more, measured 4 and a half feet above natural grade. A group of three or more trees with stems totaling 40 inches or more is treated as a grove.

The ordinance states that no one may cut down, destroy or remove any tree on any property in the city without a tree removal permit, except as the chapter provides.

What is a highly protected tree?

The code lists these species as highly protected: valley oak, blue oak, coast live oak, California black oak, canyon live oak, interior live oak, madrone, California buckeye, California black walnut and grey pine. When a development project would remove one, the city can require replacement trees of equal value or an in-lieu payment as a condition of approval.

How do you get a permit?

You apply to the city's Director with the number, species, size and location of the trees and the reason for removal. If the removal is not part of a development project, the application is due at least 10 days before the work. If it is part of a project, the city wants to review which trees should be kept before design drawings begin, and the application is filed with the first project application along with an arborist report.

If a tree is hazardous and needs immediate action for the safety of structures or people, the Director can authorize removal in writing.

What happens if a tree is removed without a permit?

Violating the chapter can be charged as an infraction or a misdemeanor. As a misdemeanor, the penalty is up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

The code also sets civil penalties. If a tree dies through someone's fault, the city can levy up to $200 for each inch of trunk circumference for a highly protected tree and up to $100 per inch for other trees. If a tree is severely damaged but not expected to die, the penalty is three times the damage or $1,000, whichever is greater. On a mature oak, that adds up quickly.

What should buyers check?

  • Plans that depend on a tree coming out. If an addition, pool, ADU or view depends on removing a tree, talk to the city before you remove contingencies.
  • Past removals. Ask the seller whether trees were removed and whether permits were issued.
  • Tree condition. Large oaks near the house or pool are worth an arborist's look during your inspection period.
  • HOA rules. Associations can have their own tree rules, and the code has a notice requirement when an HOA applies.

For more on the city, see my Walnut Creek neighborhood overview.

Frequently asked questions about tree permits in Walnut Creek

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in Walnut Creek?

Generally yes, for any tree with a single trunk of 28 inches or more in circumference, or multiple trunks totaling 40 inches or more, measured 4 and a half feet above grade.

Which trees are highly protected in Walnut Creek?

Valley oak, blue oak, coast live oak, California black oak, canyon live oak, interior live oak, madrone, California buckeye, California black walnut and grey pine.

How far ahead do I apply for a tree removal permit?

At least 10 days before the removal if it is not part of a development project. For a project, the application is filed with the first development application.

What is the penalty for removing a tree without a permit in Walnut Creek?

Violations can be charged as an infraction or a misdemeanor, with a misdemeanor fine of up to $1,000. Civil penalties for a tree that dies through someone's fault run up to $200 per inch of circumference for a highly protected tree and $100 per inch for others.

Can a dangerous tree be removed right away?

Yes, with written permission from the city's Director when the tree needs immediate action for the safety of structures or people.

The Bottom Line on Tree Permits in Walnut Creek

In Walnut Creek, assume a sizable tree needs a permit before it comes down, and assume a native oak needs a good reason. If your plans for a home depend on removing a tree, check with the city during your contingency period, not after closing.

Buying or selling in Walnut Creek?

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Or call or text 925-250-9611.

Sources

City of Walnut Creek Municipal Code, Chapter 3-8, Preservation of Trees on Private Property, for definitions, highly protected species, the permit requirement and procedure, pruning, emergency removal and penalties (checked September 2026).

Jaz Chand, Broker Associate | Homes With Accent
The Jaz Team at Merrill Signature Properties | DRE #01751823
Phone/Text: 925-250-9611 | Jaz@HomesWithAccent.com

General information only, not legal advice. Tree rules and exceptions, including those for certain ADU and SB 9 projects, are detailed. Confirm how they apply to a specific property with the City of Walnut Creek before removing any tree.