Arborist Report for a Santa Clara Tree Permit
Santa Clara requires an arborist report with every private-tree removal application. We write reports to Santa Clara's checklist, measured as SCCC Ch. 12.35 specifies.
What Santa Clara requires
Required. Every application for a protected-tree removal permit (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(2)(C)); also item VI of the Planning Division 'Application Checklist - Tree Removal Permit (Planning)' (Rev. 09/23). For development requiring a discretionary permit and hearing, an ISA-certified tree survey and written report are also required (12.35.100(a)).
Who may write it: Arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).. None found.
“An application for a tree removal permit shall be filed with the Community Development Department and shall contain the following information: (A) A drawing outlining the location of the tree(s) and proposed tree replacements; (B) A written explanation of why the tree(s) should be removed; (C) An arborist report from an arborist certified by the ISA;” municipal code
The rule the report has to address
| Protected trees | Specimen trees (9 species groups: CA buckeye, big leaf maple, deodar cedar, blue Atlas cedar, camphor, western sycamore, native oaks, coast redwood, bay laurel): 12"+ DIAMETER. ALL other private trees: 38"+ DIAMETER (not circumference). Heritage (all districts) + development-approval trees + street trees any size |
|---|---|
| Size threshold | 12" dia (specimen) / 38" dia (any species), at 54" above grade; multibranched: 38" below first fork |
| Dead or hazardous trees | Unsuitable-species approval finding for SFR lots (12.35.090(c)(4)(F)), permit still required; no self-help exemption |
| Permit fee | Input had no dollar figure. Planning Application Fee Schedule, 'Fees Effective July 1, 2026', Resolution 26-9552 adopted April 21, 2026, last revised 09/11/2026: TREE REMOVAL - Heritage Tree $904.00; Single Family $320.00; All Others $612.00. Public Works lines on same schedule: Tree Removal (per tree) $1,116.00; Tree Planting In-lieu for Private Development Tree Removal (per tree) $2,111.00. 'No fee shall be refunded because of the denial of any application.' |
| Penalty for removal without a permit | Monetary penalty <=$5,000 + (for substantial injury/removal) the monetary value of the tree, per tree, + city cost recovery (12.35.140-.150). No treble multiplier (Civ. Code 3346 is a private civil action) |
| Department | Community Development, Planning (408) 615-2450, planning@santaclaraca.gov; street trees: DPW (408) 615-3080 |
What the report contains
Written report (PDF) with species and measurements taken as the city's code requires, health and structural findings, photographs, risk rating where relevant, and recommendations that state the justification the city needs to see. For Santa Clara that means measurements taken in diameter at 54″ above grade, the species identified against the city's protected list, the condition and structural findings, and the removal justification the code names, with replacement proposed as the code requires.
Price and turnaround
$750 to $1,250 for one to three trees (site visit, report with the city's required findings, replacement plan); multi-parcel and development reports from $1,650; responses to city comments $350 per round. Reports are delivered 7 to 10 business days after the site visit; responses to Santa Clara comments are $350 per round unless the proposal includes one. Fees are confirmed in writing before the visit.
Full city rules: Tree permits in Santa Clara. Not sure the tree is protected? Run the permit checker.
Request a Santa Clara arborist report
Questions about Santa Clara reports
Does Santa Clara accept a report from any arborist?
Arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). None found.
What if my tree is dead or dangerous?
Unsuitable-species approval finding for SFR lots (12.35.090(c)(4)(F)), permit still required; no self-help exemption
How much is the Santa Clara permit itself?
Input had no dollar figure. Planning Application Fee Schedule, 'Fees Effective July 1, 2026', Resolution 26-9552 adopted April 21, 2026, last revised 09/11/2026: TREE REMOVAL - Heritage Tree $904.00; Single Family $320.00; All Others $612.00. Public Works lines on same schedule: Tree Removal (per tree) $1,116.00; Tree Planting In-lieu for Private Development Tree Removal (per tree) $2,111.00. 'No fee shall be refunded because of the denial of any application.' The report fee is separate.