Contra Costa County New Tree Ordinance       Understanding the Value of Trees within Our Communities

       More and more communities are beginning to recognize the tangible benefits that trees provide in the urban environment. Healthy trees reduce air and noise pollution, provide energy-saving shade and cooling, furnish habitat for wildlife, enhance aesthetics and property values, and are an important contributor to community image, pride, and quality of life. Furthermore, many communities have realized that in order to protect and enhance their valuable tree resources, it is useful to view and manage their trees as a cohesive unit, the community or urban forest.

Tree ordinances are among the tools used by communities striving to attain a healthy, vigorous, and well-managed community forest.

Contra Costa County is in the process of adopting a new tree ordinance after several years of review.  Designed to provide an efficient method of permitting for tree removal of trees sized 9” in diameter and above, the ordinance will be applied to all unincorporated County land including Alamo and other similar community land along with all other non-community lands, such as ranch and agricultural.  

Two tree species are categorized as fire hazards (Monterey Pine and Eucalyptus) enabling their removal without a permit.  Also, the ordinance will adapt to current requirements for fire regulations impacting trees within a residence’s fire buffer perimeter.

County Staff is currently making presentations to various local audiences.    On Tuesday, April 1st (no jokes please), the Alamo MAC meeting was the first community group in the County receiving this presentation.  The meeting was attended by several Board members of the Alamo Improvement Association and other members of the public.  These presentations will continue through June and be an opportunity for county residents to ask questions and provide comments on the new Tree Ordinance.

What are your thoughts on protecting Alamo’s Tree Canopy? 

Now (before June 30th) is the time to make your comments known.  Please do not delay!

For more information, please visit www.AlamoCA.org