General Information
- The permit costs $75.00
- Tree removal permits need to be submitted and paid in person before an inspection can be done.
- The process takes 2-3 weeks from beginning to end.
- We notice neighbors within 150 feet of the property; this usually includes about 10-15 neighbors.
- Anyone can appeal a tree removal permit. It costs $250 and is heard by the Planning Commission. The decision made by the Planning Commission can be appealed to the City Council
- The Permit is valid for 3 months
What Trees Require A Permit?
- Native Trees with a DBH (diameter at breast height) of 6” or greater (19” in circumference measured 4 ½ feet above the ground)
- Other Trees with a DBH of 10” or greater (31” in circumference measured 4 ½ feet above the ground)
- Any street tree (tree within a public street or right-of-way) regardless of size
- Any Heritage tree (tree designated by Heritage Preservation Commission or City Council) regardless of size
Pruning Permit
- A pruning permit is required if more than 25% of the canopy (all portions of the tree with foliage) is to be removed, or if the trunk of a protected tree is shared by 2 properties.
- We will notice the neighbors within 150 feet
- We will give the applicant a copy of the “Tree Protection Handbook”
- This permit can be appealed to the Planning Commission and City Council
- There is a $75.00 fee for the permit
Dead Trees
- If a tree is dead, the neighbors do not need to be noticed.
- The 10-day appeal period is therefore waived, and the permit can be issued within 3 or 4 days.
- An inspection is still made by the Building Department to verify facts, and replant requirements
- The $75.00 fee is still required; this pays for the inspection.
Emergency Tree Removal
- If there is a real emergency determined either through pictures or by a City inspection.
- The approval needs to be signed by a Department head or City Manager.
After the Fact Tree Removal Permits
- Sometimes a tree is removed because of an emergency situation, and a permit has not been applied for. We still require a permit be applied and paid for and an inspector sent out to determine if replacement trees are required.
Native Trees – Sometimes required for replanting
- Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)
- Valley Oak (Quercus lobata)
- Tan Oak (Lithocarpus densiflourus)
- Black Oak (Quercus kellogi)
- Blue Oak (Quercus douglasi)
- Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa)
- Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophylhum)
- California Buckeye (Aesculus californica)
- Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
- Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
Please see the complete Tree Ordinance if you have further questions.
