Tree removal in Walnut: the local rules

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

What Walnut's code says

Walnut code What Walnut's code adds
Exemptions	Deadwooding does not need a permit. Applies: Applies to deadwooding only. § 6.52.340 · code text This activity is exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit. Unsafe live limbs up to 6 inches around may be removed without a permit, if the tree consultant decides. Applies: Limbs unsafe from decay, rot, cavities, cracks or splitting. § 6.52.340 · code text Live limbs or branches that do not exceed six inches in circumference and are considered to be unsafe because of decay, rot, cavities, cracks or splitting can be removed without obtaining a tree permit. However, the decision to remove such limbs must be made by the tree consultant. Owners may remove limited live tissue without a permit when limbs are no more than 6 inches around. Applies: Applies to pruning live tissue. § 6.52.340 · code text However, a property owner may remove limited live tissue when the limbs do not exceed six inches in circumference without obtaining a tree permit.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree permit is required. Applies: Cutting, pruning, removing, moving, damaging or working in the protected zone of an oak or walnut 6 inches or more around at 4.5 feet. § 6.52.290 · code text No person shall cut, prune, remove, relocate, endanger, damage or encroach into the protected zone of any tree within the City except in accordance with the conditions of a valid tree permit issued by the City. Planning Commission review; removal only if the tree would block any reasonable development and no reasonable alternative exists. Applies: Applies to heritage trees. § 6.52.290 · code text No heritage tree shall be removed unless one or more of the above findings are made and the decision maker also finds that the heritage tree’s continued existence would prevent any reasonable development of the property and that no reasonable alternative can be accommodated due to the unique physical constraints of the property.
Protected trees	Oak and walnut trees 6 inches or more around, measured 4.5 feet above natural grade. § 6.52.330 · code text There shall be no removal of/or encroachment into the protected zone of a tree measuring six inches in circumference or larger when measured at a point four and one-half feet above the tree’s natural grade, as measured from the highest ground elevation adjacent to the tree, without first obtaining a tree permit.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Walnut's code: Yes, a tree permit is required. (Cutting, pruning, removing, moving, damaging or working in the protected zone of an oak or walnut 6 inches or more around at 4.5 feet.) (§ 6.52.290); Oak and walnut trees 6 inches or more around, measured 4.5 feet above natural grade. (§ 6.52.330).

Tree removal in Walnut

What Walnut's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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