Tree removal in Clayton: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Clayton Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Clayton's code says

Clayton code What Clayton's code adds
Exemptions	Emergency removal is allowed if the owner applies within 72 hours after removal. Applies: Applies when the tree is in dangerous condition and is an immediate threat to people or structures. § 15.70.050 · code text The property owner shall retro-actively submit an application to the Community Development Department within seventy-two (72) hours of the tree removal. Emergency removal is allowed; the owner applies within 72 hours after removal. Applies: Applies when the tree blocks the containment of a fire. § 15.70.050 · code text The tree is obstructing the containment of a fire. Emergency removal is allowed; the owner applies within 72 hours after removal. Applies: Applies when the City Engineer finds the tree blocks flood waters in creek beds or waterways. § 15.70.050 · code text The tree is obstructing flood waters in creek beds or waterways, as determined by the City Engineer.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit is required. Applies: Applies to a tree with one trunk, or several trunks, totaling 6 inches or more in diameter. § 15.70.020 · code text A tree removal permit shall be obtained prior to the removal of: Yes, a tree removal permit is required. Applies: Applies to a tree of any size the City required to be planted under a plan approved after April 1, 2005. § 15.70.020 · code text A tree removal permit shall be obtained prior to the removal of:
Protected trees	A tree with one or more trunks totaling 6 inches or more in diameter. Applies: On private or public property. § 15.70.020 · code text A tree with a single trunk or multiple trunks with a cumulative trunk diameter of six (6) inches or greater, located on private or public property; A tree of any size required to be planted under a development, landscape or tree replacement plan. Applies: Only plans the City approved after April 1, 2005. § 15.70.020 · code text A tree of any size specifically required to be planted as part of a development application, landscape plan, or tree replacement plan approved by the City after April 1, 2005.
Replacement trees	Replacement trees planted under a tree replacement plan that fully offsets the impacts of the removal. Applies: Applies when the permit relies on replacement to qualify for approval. § 15.70.030 · code text The tree will be replaced by replacement tree(s) planted pursuant to a tree replacement plan prepared in accordance with the standards of Section 15.70.040 which fully mitigates the impacts created by the removal of the tree. The Director may waive the tree replacement plan. Applies: Applies when removal has no significant impact because the tree is minor or other trees on the property make up for it. § 15.70.030 · code text The Director may waive the requirement for a tree replacement plan if the Director determines that removal of the tree will not cause a significant impact since the tree is minor in nature or existing trees on the property adequately compensate for removal of the tree.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Clayton?

Clayton's code: Yes, a tree removal permit is required. (Applies to a tree with one trunk, or several trunks, totaling 6 inches or more in diameter.) (§ 15.70.020); A tree with one or more trunks totaling 6 inches or more in diameter. (On private or public property.) (§ 15.70.020).

Tree removal in Clayton

What Clayton's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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