Orinda: defensible space, inspections, and tree permits
By Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A · Updated 2026-10-20
Who inspects, and what they look for
Moraga-Orinda Fire District. Ordinance 23-03 (exterior hazard abatement) and 23-08 (fuel breaks) set rules stricter than the state: no Monterey pine or eucalyptus within 5 feet of a structure; juniper and bamboo removed within 10 feet of roads and driveways; no wood-chip or bark fences within 100 feet; grass to 3 inches by June 1. Free community chipper (3-home minimum; Orinda via reserve.chipperday.com/orinda, Measure R), free vent screens and gutter guards, broom-puller loans.
Tree permits and the fire question
Developed lots: seven native oak species at 12 inches; vacant and downtown lots: any tree at 6 inches; riparian natives at 4 inches (OMC 17.21). The exemption that makes Orinda the cleanest case in the East Bay: removal 'when required by the Moraga-Orinda Fire District for Fire Code compliance' needs no permit — document it to Planning. Fire-official emergency orders are also exempt. Unpermitted removal otherwise costs two 24-inch-box replacements per 6 inches removed or $675 per tree, accruing daily.
Programs and money
MOFD chipper, vents, and gutter guards. Diablo Fire Safe Council cost-share closed since May 2025. Contra Costa's low-income exterior hazard program not yet available. Details and links on the East Bay hills page and resources.
A typical Orinda job
A canyon lot with MOFD's notice in hand: the junipers along the driveway and the Monterey pine against the garage come out under the ordinance, the oaks get pruned to clearance, and the one native oak whose crown fills the ember path gets removed under the 17.21 fire-district exemption with the MOFD letter documented to Planning — no permit application.
Booking
Text or call with the address and the notice or letter. Site consultation $375 ($450 with written opinion), within 7 days. Defensible Space Plan $850. Permit arborist report $750–1,250. Consulting only — no tree work sold or referred. Services and pricing →
Questions we get
Who inspects defensible space in Orinda?
Moraga-Orinda Fire District, under Ordinances 23-03 and 23-08.
Can I remove a tree for fire safety in Orinda without a permit?
Developed lots: seven native oak species at 12 inches; vacant and downtown lots: any tree at 6 inches; riparian natives at 4 inches (OMC 17.21). The exemption that makes Orinda the cleanest case in the East Bay: removal 'when required by the Moraga-Orinda Fire District for Fire Code compliance' needs no permit — document it to Planning. Fire-official emergency orders are also exempt. Unpermitted removal otherwise costs two 24-inch-box replacements per 6 inches removed or $675 per tree, accruing daily.
What programs help pay for vegetation work in Orinda?
MOFD chipper, vents, and gutter guards. Diablo Fire Safe Council cost-share closed since May 2025. Contra Costa's low-income exterior hazard program not yet available.