Do I Need a Tree Permit in Orinda?
Orinda protects 7 native oak species on developed parcels at 12 inches trunk diameter and ANY tree at 6 inches on vacant or downtown parcels under OMC Chapter 17.21 (through Ord. 25-07). Native riparian trees are protected at 4 inches. Insurance-required removals are fully exempt under Ordinance 25-03 (17.21.3.B.7). Penalties include tiered infractions ($100/$250/$500) plus restitution of TWO 24-inch-box trees per 6 inches of removed trunk.
The Short Answer: Yes, Permits Are Required
Orinda's tree ordinance (OMC Ch. 17.21, updated through Ord. 25-07, January 2026) has three protection tiers: 7 native oak species on developed parcels at 12 inches trunk diameter, ANY tree at 6 inches on vacant/undeveloped or downtown parcels, and native riparian trees at 4 inches. Trees designated on approved development plans and restitution trees are also protected at any size.
A significant 2025 update: Ordinance 25-03 (May 6, 2025) made insurance-required tree removals fully exempt from permits (17.21.3.B.7) — not just expedited. If your insurer requires removal for coverage renewal, no permit is needed.
MOFD Fire District: Active Enforcement
Orinda is covered by the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD), which actively enforces defensible space. Permit exceptions include written requirements from MOFD for Fire Code compliance, state-required firebreaks, and insurance-required removals under Ord. 25-03.
What Trees Are Protected in Orinda?
Orinda's tree protection covers three tiers based on parcel type:
- Developed parcels — 7 native oak species at 12"+ trunk diameter: valley oak, coast live oak, black oak, white (Garry) oak, canyon oak, blue oak, interior live oak
- Vacant/undeveloped or downtown parcels — ANY tree at 6"+ (unless on the Disallowed Plant List)
- Native riparian trees — 4"+ trunk diameter (multi-trunk: combined cross-sectional area equal to a single 4" stem)
- Restitution & condition-of-approval trees — protected at any size
- Exceptions — Hazardous conditions, insurance-required removals (Ord. 25-03), MOFD written requirements, fire official/PW Director/Parks Director/City Manager emergency orders, state-required firebreaks, flood control
Contra Costa County Comparison: Orinda vs. Neighbors
| Requirement | Orinda | Lafayette | Walnut Creek |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protected size (oak) | 12" diameter | 12" (indigenous) | 9" (all species) |
| Riparian trees | 4" diameter | 6" (4" multi-trunk) | No specific riparian |
| Insurance exception | Yes (Ord. 25-03, 2025) | No specific provision | No specific provision |
| Fire district | MOFD | MOFD + ConFire | ConFire |
| Penalty | $100/$250/$500 infraction + restitution | Fines per diameter | Misdemeanor + appraised value |
The Permit Process: Step by Step
Determine if your tree is protected
On developed parcels, check if it's one of 7 native oak species (valley, coast live, black, white/Garry, canyon, blue, interior live) at 12"+ trunk diameter. On vacant or downtown parcels, ANY tree at 6"+ is protected. Native riparian trees are protected at 4"+. Insurance-required removals are exempt under Ord. 25-03. Contact Planning at (925) 253-4210.
Get an arborist assessment
An ISA Certified Arborist report or written statement is required for most protected tree removals. The report should document species, size, health, and removal justification.
Apply for Category I or II permit
Submit the tree removal permit application to the Orinda Planning Department. Include the arborist report, site photos, and replacement plan. For insurance-related removals, request the expedited Ordinance 25-03 process.
Planning Department review
Staff reviews the application, potentially with a site visit. Standard processing takes 4-8 weeks. Insurance-related removals under Ordinance 25-03 have an expedited timeline. Heritage oaks may require additional review.
Receive approval and plant replacements
Approved permits include conditions for replacement planting. Comply within the specified timeframe. The city may inspect for compliance.
What Does Tree Work Cost in Orinda?
Orinda's tree protection requirements and local terrain affect removal costs:
- Standard removal (accessible terrain): $1,500–$5,000
- Hillside removal (steep terrain, rigging): $5,000–$15,000
- Large heritage oak (permits + replacement): $8,000–$16,000+
- Stump grinding: $250–$600 per stump
- Terrain premium: 20-40% for steep hillside access
Contact Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What trees are protected in Orinda?
On developed parcels, 7 native oak species (valley, coast live, black, white/Garry, canyon, blue, interior live) are protected at 12 inches trunk diameter or larger. On vacant or downtown parcels, ANY tree at 6 inches or larger is protected (unless on the Disallowed Plant List). Native riparian trees are protected at 4 inches (multi-trunk: combined cross-section equal to a single 4-inch stem). Restitution and condition-of-approval trees are protected at any size.
What is the insurance exception under Ordinance 25-03?
Adopted May 6, 2025, Ordinance 25-03 added section 17.21.3.B.7 making insurance-required tree removals fully EXEMPT from the permit requirement — not just expedited. If your insurer requires removal of a specific tree for coverage renewal, no tree permit is needed. An arborist assessment is still recommended but not required by the city.
What are the permit exceptions in Orinda?
Permits are not required for: hazardous conditions requiring immediate action, emergency removals ordered by fire officials or the PW Director/Parks Director/City Manager, insurance-required removals (Ord. 25-03), city projects, state-required firebreaks, flood control clearance, and written MOFD Fire Code compliance requirements.
How much does tree removal cost in Orinda?
Standard removal runs $1,500-$5,000 on accessible terrain. Hillside properties with steep access cost $5,000-$15,000. Heritage oak removal with permits and replacement planting reaches $8,000-$16,000+. Orinda's terrain adds 20-40% to costs.
What is the penalty for removing a protected tree without a permit?
Orinda uses a tiered penalty structure under Title 19: infractions at $100 (first), $250 (second), $500 (subsequent). Violations can also be charged as misdemeanors — up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months. Administrative civil penalties default to $1,000 per violation, with each day a separate offense. Restitution requires TWO 24-inch-box replacement trees per 6 inches of removed trunk diameter, or $1,179 per tree in-lieu (OMC 17.21.8-9).
Related reading for Orinda residents
Need a tree assessment or removal permit help?
An ISA Certified Arborist report strengthens your Orinda permit application and ensures compliant removal with proper replacement planning.