Plant-A-Tree Cotati

How To Apply For Tree Reimbursement

1. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING RULES AND REGULATIONS IN THEIR ENTIRETY - NON-COMPLIANT PURCHASES WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED

   • Each Cotati "household" is entitled to two (2) trees per calendar year. For this program, a household is defined as, "The people that comprise a singular residential unit. " Multi-family units, apartment complexes, and commercial properties are also eligible to apply. Please see the 'FAQs' section for details.
      
   • The trees must be chosen from the list provided under the "Eligible Tree Species" table below under step 2. If you are purchasing two trees within the calendar year, at least one (1) of the trees purchased must be chosen from the Native Species list. Only one fruit tree per calendar year will be eligible for reimbursement, however up to two native trees can qualify per year. Substitutes for the trees listed may be accepted with staff approval. An explanation for why the substitutes were chosen is required.
      
   • Size requirements (UPDATED RULES): Any tree purchased must be at least 15-gallon size or larger. Smaller sizes may be accepted on a case by case basis.
      
   • The trees must be planted on property within Cotati city limits and must be planted in the ground. Properties with a Cotati address that are unincorporated (under County of Sonoma's jurisdiction) are not eligible.
      
   • Residents will be reimbursed up to $150.00 per tree. This amount can include the following: cost of tree itself, delivery fees, and labor costs associated with planting the tree (PLEASE SEE RECEIPT GUIDELINES IN STEP 6).
      
   • Residents are required to purchase and plant the tree(s) to receive the reimbursement. Delivery and/or planting services are not offered by the City.
     
     
   • Note that trees purchased through this program cannot be used to satisfy the mitigation requirements of a Tree Removal Permit.

2. Research which trees from the table below would be most suitable for your property, given variables such as sunlight throughout the day, soil conditions, and interactions with other plant species. Also keep in mind the ideal time of year to plant a particular tree species. If you have any questions, it may be helpful to contact your local plant nursery.

3. Complete the Plant-A-Tree Cotati Reimbursement Application and submit to cduncan@cotaticity.gov or in-person to City Hall, Community Development Department. Your application does not expire once approved, but please note the time limit specified after purchasing the tree in step 5. Once your application has been approved (typically 1-2 business days), you may proceed to step 4.

4. After your application has been approved, you can purchase your trees, ideally from a local nursery! Please see below for suggested nurseries around Sonoma County that typically carry natives and fruit trees. We recommend calling in advance to check inventory levels.
   

5. Plant the trees on your property in Cotati. The planting location can be anywhere on your property, although we advise against planting too close to your dwelling and any property lines.
    
6. You must apply for reimbursement within 60 days* of purchasing the tree(s). Proof of purchase MUST be submitted either via email to cduncan@cotaticity.gov or in-person at Cotati City Hall in the Community Development Department (201 W Sierra Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931). The following items must be submitted to qualify for a reimbursement:
   • Full receipt showing all costs associated with the purchase and planting of tree(s) within the last thirty calendar days from submittal date. Handwritten receipts will not be accepted. If you are paying for ancillary services such as planting,, the entity providing such services must have an active Cotati City Business License or otherwise be eligible to do business within the City of Cotati.
   • Photos of the tree(s) planted in Cotati, one showing the tag attached to the tree and one showing a full view of the tree planted. 
   • Name and mailing address of payor. Please note that the payor's name must match the name of the applicant from the original application. The payor will be required to visit Admin Services at City Hall to pick up the reimbursement check. A government-issued photo ID or driver's license must be shown at pickup to prove you are the payor.

*Purchases outside of this range may be accepted at staff's discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are multi-family properties and apartment complexes eligible to apply?
  • YES. The following rules apply:
    • Multi-Family Properties (Single Ownership Per Dwelling Unit): Each unit is entitled up to two trees per calendar year. The common area is also eligible for up to two trees per year, however applications for individual units and the common area cannot be applied for in the same year. 
    • Apartment Complexes: The entire complex is eligible for up to two trees per calendar year, whether these are planted in the common area, private property, or a mixture of both.
• What about commercial properties?
  • YES. The entire property (parcel) is entitled up to two trees per calendar year.
• Why were the above trees chosen to be on the "Eligible Tree Species" table?
  • The above trees were chosen due to their compatibility with our area's climate and overall ecosystem. The Native Trees selected are either native to the Northern California region or the entire state of California. Trees on this list have naturally grow in our area and have been for centuries. Continuing to plant these trees provides food and shelter to native wildlife, insects, and birds. Since these trees are native to the area, they tend to prosper and require less water than non-native species. For the Fruit Trees list, we tried to choose varieties that are better suited to Sonoma County's climate. Planting fruit trees also bolsters our City's support for Urban Agriculture.
• What if I need help transporting and planting my tree(s)?
  • Check in with the nursery you are purchasing the trees from to see if they offer delivery services. Remember, planting and delivery costs are reimbursable!
• I still have questions. Who do I contact?
  • Please contact Carla Duncan by phone: (707) 665-3636 or by email: cduncan@cotaticity.gov 
  • You may also visit the City Hall's Community Development department during our regular hours of operation.