Question 1

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Bay Area?

Accepted Answer

Most Bay Area cities protect trees above a certain size threshold. Thresholds vary widely: Mountain View protects oaks at just 4 inches diameter, Campbell at 6 inches, while Milpitas and Sunnyvale set the bar at 18 inches. Native species often have lower thresholds. All street trees require permits everywhere. This tool covers 25 Cities.

Question 2

What is the penalty for removing a protected tree without a permit?

Accepted Answer

Penalties vary dramatically by city. Saratoga charges 3 times the appraised tree value, potentially over 100,000 dollars for a large heritage oak. San Jose fines up to 30,000 dollars per Heritage Tree. Redwood City fines 500 dollars per tree. Most cities require mandatory replanting.

Question 3

How do I measure a tree trunk diameter?

Accepted Answer

Most cities measure trunk diameter at breast height (DBH), 4.5 feet or 54 inches above grade. Exceptions: Campbell measures at just 24 inches above ground, Los Altos at 48 inches. For multi-trunk trees, Cupertino uses a square-root combined-area formula.

Do I Need a Tree Permit?

Do I Need a
Tree Permit?