Tree removal in Pinole: the local rules

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

What Pinole's code says

Pinole code What Pinole's code adds
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit from the Community Development Director. Applies: Protected trees on undeveloped or vacant land, or land under development needing a building permit. § 17.96.040 · code text Any person desiring to cut down, destroy or remove one (1) or more protected trees on any undeveloped, vacant property or land under development that requires a building permit in the city, shall file an application for a tree removal permit application with the Community Development Director. File the application at least 10 days before removal. Applies: Protected tree removal not involving development. § 17.96.040 · code text If the protected tree removal does not involve development, the application shall be filed not less than ten (10) days prior to the time desired for the physical removal of the protected tree. Yes; decided with the development approval after a public hearing, or by the Planning Commission after a building permit. Applies: Protected trees removed as part of a development. § 17.96.060 · code text The protected tree(s) removal permit applications for protected trees sought to be removed for development shall be considered by the body given the authority to render the initial decision of said discretionary development approval. Yes. Removing a protected tree needs a permit from the Community Development Director. Applies: Granted if condition warrants removal and less drastic means cannot fix it, or a pest cannot be controlled. Void if unused within 1 year. § 17.96.050 · code text The Community Development Director shall grant the permit if he or she makes either of the following findings:
Replacement trees	Plant extra trees, beyond required landscaping, equal in value to the protected trees removed. Applies: Removal approved with a development; the reviewing body may require this or an in-lieu fee. § 17.96.060 · code text Plant trees as part of the development over and above the landscaping that would otherwise be required at a value equal to the value of the protected tree(s) that will be removed; Pay an in-lieu fee equal to the value of the protected trees removed. Applies: Removal approved with a development; the reviewing body may require this or replacement planting. § 17.96.060 · code text Pay an in-lieu fee to the city in an amount equal to the value of the protected tree(s) that will be removed. Replace a tree that dies with one of the same species, as close in size as reasonably possible. Applies: A protected tree required to stay dies during the guarantee period, which ends 3 years after final inspection or certificate of occupancy, whichever is later. § 17.96.080 · code text The guarantee shall include the applicant's agreement to replace any protected tree, which is to be saved, but that dies during the guarantee period with a tree of the same species as close in size as is reasonably possible

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Frequently asked questions

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

Pinole's code: Yes, a tree removal permit from the Community Development Director. (Protected trees on undeveloped or vacant land, or land under development needing a building permit.) (§ 17.96.040); Plant extra trees, beyond required landscaping, equal in value to the protected trees removed. (Removal approved with a development; the reviewing body may require this or an in-lieu fee.) (§ 17.96.060).

Tree removal in Pinole

What Pinole's code says

Who this affects

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