Neighbor tree disputes in Contra Costa County: what is different here
By Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A · Last reviewed 2026-10-23
Cities we serve in Contra Costa County
Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek and unincorporated Contra Costa County including Alamo. Site visit within 7 days of booking; travel included.
View ordinances in Contra Costa County
These cities give a neighbor a claim to restore a view:
Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Creek, Danville and Pleasant Hill have no view ordinance as far as we have verified; Lafayette and Moraga hillside view disputes run on negotiation and the self-help rule.
Protected-tree rules
Every Contra Costa County city with a tree ordinance protects trees above a size or species threshold, which means neither neighbor can remove, and often cannot heavily prune, the tree in dispute without a permit, whatever they agree between themselves. Thresholds, species lists, measurement rules, fees and penalties are catalogued city by city on Urban Forestry Guide, and the report cites the rule that applies to your tree.
What disputes look like here
Lamorinda and the Diablo valley have the Bay Area's largest residential oaks: valley oaks and coast live oaks on half-acre lots, with roots under fences, pools and driveways, and heritage-tree ordinances in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek and Danville that protect them at modest sizes. The county's unincorporated areas (Alamo, Blackhawk, Kensington) follow the county tree ordinance. Storm failures of water-stressed oaks and redwoods are the hazard pattern.
Where disputes get resolved in Contra Costa County
- Community mediation: The Center for Human Development, (925) 687-8844; The Congress of Neutrals, (925) 937-3008. Low-cost or free, routinely takes neighbor tree cases, and the arborist can attend at $250 per hour. Several view ordinances require a mediation offer before anything else.
- Small claims: Contra Costa County Superior Court, claims up to $12,500 for individuals, no lawyer required. The report is the evidence.
- Civil action: larger damage, injunctions, and view claims in superior court with counsel; the arborist becomes a retained expert. For attorneys →
Start here
Find your situation on the situations page, or start a report. Dispute Assessment Report from $850; View Obstruction Report from $950 in view-ordinance cities. Text (415) 881-0124 with the address and a photo for a free read on whether a report will help.
Questions people ask
Do you cover all of Contra Costa County?
Yes: Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek and unincorporated Contra Costa County including Alamo. Travel is included inside the seven core counties.
Is there a view ordinance in my city?
Only in Orinda. Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Creek, Danville and Pleasant Hill have no view ordinance as far as we have verified; Lafayette and Moraga hillside view disputes run on negotiation and the self-help rule.
Where do I go for mediation?
The Center for Human Development, (925) 687-8844; The Congress of Neutrals, (925) 937-3008. Community mediation is low-cost or free, takes tree cases routinely, and the arborist can attend by the hour.
Where is small claims heard?
The Contra Costa County Superior Court hears claims up to $12,500 for individuals. The arborist report is the usual evidence of cause and condition in a tree case.