Do I Need a Tree Permit in Danville?
The Town of Danville protects 12 native tree species at 10 inches trunk diameter and designates heritage trees at 36 inches diameter regardless of species under Municipal Code Division 32-79. Danville's replacement requirement is unique: inch-for-inch mitigation matching the total diameter of removed trees.
The Short Answer: Yes, Permits Are Required
Danville protects 12 native tree species at 10 inches trunk diameter (or 20 inches combined for multi-trunk trees). Species include coast live oak, valley oak, canyon live oak, blue oak, California black oak, interior live oak, white alder, California bay, California buckeye, California sycamore, madrone, and London plane tree. Heritage trees are any single-trunk species at 36 inches diameter (multi-trunk trees cannot qualify as heritage). Memorial trees are public-property commemorative trees protected at any size.
Danville has the region's only true treble-damages penalty: misdemeanor plus civil damages of 3x the CTLA-appraised value of the tree (32-79.13, Ord. 2025-03). Replacement varies: for minor or no-development removals, 1x 15-gallon tree if under 20 inches removed, or 2x if 20 inches or larger. For major development, inch-for-inch mitigation is required.
San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District
Danville is covered by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, which enforces defensible space in fire-prone areas — particularly near Mount Diablo foothills and the Tassajara corridor. Properties in the wildland-urban interface must balance fire safety with the Town's protected tree requirements.
What Trees Are Protected in Danville?
Danville's tree protection covers:
- Protected native trees (10"+ diameter) — Coast live oak, valley oak, canyon live oak, blue oak, California black oak, interior live oak, white alder, California bay, California buckeye, California sycamore, madrone, London plane tree
- Multi-trunk — Protected if combined trunks total 20"+ diameter
- Heritage trees — ANY single-trunk species at 36"+ trunk diameter (multi-trunk trees cannot qualify as heritage)
- Memorial trees — Public-property commemorative trees, any size
Contra Costa County Comparison: Danville vs. Neighbors
| Requirement | Danville | Walnut Creek | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native tree threshold | 10" diameter | 9" (all species) | 12" (indigenous) |
| Heritage threshold | 36" any species | No heritage category | N/A |
| # Protected species | 12 native species | 10 highly protected | Indigenous + riparian |
| Replacement rule | Inch-for-inch | 1:1 minimum | Mandatory replacement, no in-lieu |
| Enforcement | Planning Dept. | Community Development | Planning & Building |
The Permit Process: Step by Step
Check if your tree is protected
Identify the species and measure trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above natural grade. Protected: 10"+ for 12 listed native species, 20"+ combined for multi-trunk. Heritage: 36"+ any species. Contact Planning: (925) 314-3310 or Planning@danville.ca.gov.
Get an arborist assessment
An ISA Certified Arborist report is required documenting species identification, trunk diameter, health/condition, and removal justification. Heritage and memorial trees require the most thorough documentation.
Submit the tree removal permit application
File with the Town of Danville Planning Department. Include the arborist report, site plan, photos, and proposed mitigation (replacement trees totaling removed tree's diameter inches).
Planning review and site inspection
Staff reviews the application and may inspect. The Town evaluates removal justification, impact on the streetscape, and adequacy of the proposed mitigation plan.
Receive approval and conditions
Approved permits specify replacement tree species, sizes, and planting locations. Total replacement diameter must equal the removed tree's diameter (inch-for-inch). Schedule removal with a licensed contractor.
Plant replacement trees and comply
Plant the specified replacement trees within the required timeframe. Maintain until established. The Town may inspect for compliance. Failure to replant triggers enforcement.
What Does Tree Work Cost in Danville?
Danville's tree protection requirements and local terrain affect removal costs:
- Small tree removal: $800–$2,000
- Medium tree removal (25–50 ft): $2,000–$5,000
- Large heritage oak (50+ ft, hillside): $5,000–$14,000
- Protected tree with permit + replacement: $7,000–$14,000+
- Stump grinding: $200–$500
Contact Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What native species does Danville protect?
Danville protects 12 species: coast live oak, valley oak, canyon live oak, blue oak, California black oak, interior live oak, white alder, California bay, California buckeye, California sycamore, madrone, and London plane tree. All are protected at 10" trunk diameter.
What is a heritage tree in Danville?
Any single-trunk tree — regardless of species — with a trunk diameter of 36 inches or more at 4.5 feet above ground. Multi-trunk trees cannot qualify for heritage status. Heritage trees receive the highest protection under Ord. 2025-03 and require the most extensive documentation for removal.
How does replacement work in Danville?
For minor or no-development removals: one 15-gallon replacement tree if the removed trunk was under 20 inches, or two 15-gallon trees if 20 inches or larger. For major development projects, inch-for-inch mitigation is required — replacement trees must total the same inches of trunk diameter as the removed tree (32-79.8, Ord. 2025-03).
How much does tree removal cost in Danville?
Small trees run $800-$2,000, medium $2,000-$5,000, and large heritage oaks $5,000-$14,000. Hillside terrain near Mount Diablo adds 15-30% to costs. Protected tree removals with permits and replacement planting run $7,000-$14,000+.
Is there a fire hazard zone in Danville?
Properties near Mount Diablo foothills and the Tassajara corridor fall in wildland-urban interface areas. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District enforces defensible space. Fire safety tree work still needs coordination with tree protection requirements.
Related reading for Danville residents
Need a tree assessment or removal permit help?
An ISA Certified Arborist report strengthens your Danville permit application and ensures compliant removal with proper replacement planning.