Tree Permits in Belmont
Belmont requires a permit to remove principal native trees at 10″ diameter; any other species (large diameter tree) at 14″ diameter; city, right-of-way or replacement tree at any size. Measured as trunk diameter (DBH) at 54″ above grade. Arborist report required in some cases. Permit fee from $92. Verified July 31, 2026.
Last verified · fees checked · Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional WE-15750AF
Belmont tree ordinance at a glance
| Code section | BCC Ch. 25 (Ord. 2017-1120) |
|---|---|
| Protected trees | Principal Native Trees (coast live oak, valley oak, redwood, madrone, bay laurel, buckeye): 10" DBH; Large Diameter Trees (any other species): 14" DBH single stem; City/ROW/Replacement trees any size. Blue gum & dwarf blue gum eucalyptus, Monterey pine, palms, acacias, dead trees: permit still required but issued automatically |
| Size threshold | 10" DBH (natives) / 14" DBH (others), at 4.5 ft above natural grade |
| Multi-trunk trees | Up to three largest secondary stems totaling 10" (natives) / 18" (others) |
| Dead or hazardous trees | Dead trees: automatic permit issuance (25-7(b)(6)), permit still required; emergency/fire-danger exceptions can be expedited (25-5(b)); emergency line (650) 595-7441 |
| Fire-safety removals | Exempt when the conditions are met. No permit is needed to remove a protected tree that the fire marshal (or another city official acting officially) has determined is a substantial fire hazard that cannot reasonably be mitigated (BCC 25-5(b)(2)); any other fire-safety removal needs the normal permit, which must be issued without weighing criteria for blue gum, Monterey pine, palm, acacia and dead trees. Conditions: A written determination by the Belmont fire marshal (or other city official acting in official capacity) that the specific tree is a substantial fire hazard that cannot be reasonably mitigated. Without that determination the normal permit applies; BCC 25-7(c)(1)(B) lists species 'fire hazard' as a criterion supporting removal, and 25-7(b) requires automatic issuance for blue gum, dwarf blue gum, Monterey pine, palms, acacias and dead trees. source · all cities |
| Permit fee (FY 2026-27) | $92 flat (waived for emergencies); in-lieu $611/tree fee schedule |
| Permit filing by this practice | $750 flat for one tree, $600 with an arborist report or if you post the notice yourself; city fee above is extra. Staff-level decision, but the permit is issued at a booked on-site visit and the applicant must post a 48-hour notice before removal; the posting can likely be done at the end of the inspection visit, so one trip may suffice. Have it filed. |
| Penalties for removal without a permit | Removal fees + replant equal value (Sec. 25-9); stop-work; general penalty BCC 1-8 |
| Arborist report | Sometimes required. Non-development permits: no arborist report listed; the City Arborist books an on-site visit within 72 business hours and 'will assess your tree to determine if a permit may be issued' (Parks & Recreation page). Code application contents (BCC 25-6(a)(2)) list no report, only 'any other pertinent information as may be required by the City Manager.' Development-related permits (building permits, design review, variances): 'the decision-maker may require an Arborist Report or Standard Tree Protection Measures, as appropriate.' Who may write it: Code definition (BCC 25-2): 'Arborist means an American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) registered consulting arborist, or an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.' |
| Who to call | Parks & Recreation (non-development) via eTRAKiT; Community Development (development) · official page |
Sources: belm-trk.aspgov.com · library.municode.com · belmont.gov. Urban Forestry Guide is not a city line; for Belmont permit questions use the department above.
Does my tree need a permit in Belmont?
A permit is required when the tree is protected and meets the size rule. Belmont measures trunk diameter (DBH) at 54″ above the ground.
- Principal native trees (coast live oak, valley oak, redwood, madrone, bay laurel, buckeye): protected at 10″ diameter
- Any other species (large diameter tree): protected at 14″ diameter
- City, right-of-way or replacement tree: protected at any size
- Multi-trunk trees: Multi-stem: up to the three largest secondary stems totaling 10" (natives) or 18" (other species).
Blue gum eucalyptus, Monterey pine, palms, acacias and dead trees still need a permit, but the permit is issued automatically.
Check my tree in the permit checker
Street trees, city-designated heritage trees and trees required by a development approval are protected at any size in every city. Trees on lot lines belong to both owners.
Does Belmont require an arborist report?
Sometimes. Non-development permits: no arborist report listed; the City Arborist books an on-site visit within 72 business hours and 'will assess your tree to determine if a permit may be issued' (Parks & Recreation page). Code application contents (BCC 25-6(a)(2)) list no report, only 'any other pertinent information as may be required by the City Manager.' Development-related permits (building permits, design review, variances): 'the decision-maker may require an Arborist Report or Standard Tree Protection Measures, as appropriate.'
Who may write it: Code definition (BCC 25-2): 'Arborist means an American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) registered consulting arborist, or an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.'. No approved list. The Parks & Rec page links an explicitly 'Un-endorsed list of local arborists' (PDF, /home/showpublisheddocument/20477) plus asca-consultants.org and canopy.org for consultations.
“Development entitlements (i.e., Building Permits, Design Reviews, Variances, etc.). In these instances, you must complete a Permit Application Form. Please note the decision-maker may require an Arborist Report or Standard Tree Protection Measures, as appropriate.” city department page
How to get a tree removal permit in Belmont
- Apply online through the eTRAKiT permit portal (create an account, then submit a tree removal permit application to the Parks & Recreation Department for removals not tied to a development entitlement); the code requires the applicant's and worker's names, the contractor's license number, the number/species/size/location of trees, and a brief reason for removal (BCC 25-6(a)). source
- Within 72 business hours the City emails you to book an on-site visit; the City Arborist assesses the tree and, if warranted, issues the permit on the spot (no arborist report is listed for non-development permits). source
- Pay the $92 permit fee online, at the Parks & Recreation office (30 Twin Pines Lane) or by phone at (650) 595-7441; fees are waived for emergency removals. source
- Post the notice supplied by the arborist for 48 hours before removal; BCC 25-8(c) requires posting visible from the right-of-way at least 48 hours before work and for one week after completion. source
- Remove the tree within 60 days of permit issuance ('Permits not associated with a development project shall be issued in writing and remain valid for a period of 60 days from issuance'); contact arborist@belmont.gov for an extension. source
- Close the permit by emailing photos of the replacement tree (typically one 15-gallon preferred-species tree per tree removed) to arborist@belmont.gov, or pay the in-lieu-of-planting fee ($611 per tree not replaced) and email the arborist after removal. source
- Removals tied to a building permit, design review or variance are reviewed by the Community Development Department as part of that project, using the Permit Application Form; the decision-maker may require an Arborist Report or Standard Tree Protection Measures. source
| Timeline | City contacts you within 72 business hours of the online application to schedule the arborist visit; permit can be issued at the visit. Posting period: 48 hours before removal (waivable for emergencies). Permit valid 60 days. Code states only that the reviewing authority 'must timely determine whether to issue the permit' (BCC 25-6(b)(3)). “We will contact you via email within 72 business hours of receiving your online application to book an on-site visit with our City arborist.” source |
|---|---|
| Appeal | The applicant may appeal a City Manager (non-development) decision to the City Council, or a development-related decision to the body that hears appeals on the development application; appeals are filed with the Permit Center within 10 days of the decision with a detailed statement and the Council-set fee. The code grants appeal rights to the applicant only. “An applicant may appeal a decision under (b)(2) to the City Council. All appeals must be filed with the Permit Center within 10 days of the decision by the reviewing authority.” source |
| Replacement | BCC 25-7(d)(1): 'For each Protected Tree removed, the applicant must plant a preferred species tree, minimum 15 gallons, or pay an in lieu of planting fee established by the city council. A preferred species tree planted as part of a landscape plan, screening, or bulk reduction condition may be counted toward this requirement.' The Parks & Recreation page states the in-lieu fee is $611 per tree not replaced. source |
| Forms | eTRAKiT online tree removal permit application (Parks & Recreation) · Trees and Removal Permits page (step-by-step process, fees) · Tree Removal Permits (Community Development, development-related applications) · Belmont City Code Chapter 25 - Trees (Ord. 2017-1120) |
Process verified October 9, 2026 against the city's code, forms and department pages.
Tips from an ISA Certified Arborist
Know your species. The 10-inch DBH threshold for coast live oak, valley oak, redwood, madrone, bay laurel, and buckeye captures most mature specimens in hillside neighborhoods, while the 14-inch threshold for other species covers only larger trees. Blue gum eucalyptus at protected size still needs a permit, but the City issues it automatically, making it the easiest fire mitigation step. For hillside properties near Waterdog Lake, consider a property-wide assessment rather than tree-by-tree decisions.
Arborist Notes: Belmont
Belmont Canyon is one woodland
Belmont Canyon near Waterdog Lake holds some of the best mixed native woodland on the Peninsula: redwoods, oaks, madrones, and bay laurels. When I assess trees there, I am working with an ecosystem. Removing one large bay laurel changes the wind and light on three neighboring oaks. I recommend a property-wide assessment there, not tree-by-tree decisions.
Two thresholds, and stems add up
Natives such as coast live oak, redwood, madrone, and bay laurel are protected at 10 inches DBH, other species at 14. A multi-stem tree adds its three largest stems: 10 inches for natives, 18 for others, measured 4.5 feet above natural grade. Lots around Carlmont Village and Ralston Avenue hold mostly ornamentals, but a clumping tree can still qualify.
Blue gum and Monterey pine: automatic permit
Belmont's automatic approval for blue gum eucalyptus and Monterey pine is one of the most practical rules I have seen. Both carry real fire risk on hillsides and decline faster than oaks. The city must still issue a permit at protected size, but without weighing removal criteria. Replacement or the in-lieu fee still applies.
When to call me
For a standard removal, Belmont asks for no arborist report. The City Arborist visits within 72 business hours and decides whether a permit can issue. A report matters when the tree is tied to a building permit, design review, or variance; the decision-maker may require one.
Belmont neighborhoods: canopy, fire exposure and species
Tap a neighborhood for canopy cover, fire and pest exposure, and common species. Permit facts shown here come from the verified table above.
Select a neighborhood to explore its canopy profile.
Frequently asked questions about tree permits in Belmont
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Belmont?
Dead trees: automatic permit issuance (25-7(b)(6)), permit still required; emergency/fire-danger exceptions can be expedited (25-5(b)); emergency line (650) 595-7441 (verified 2026-07-31)
What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in Belmont?
Removal fees + replant equal value (Sec. 25-9); stop-work; general penalty BCC 1-8 (verified 2026-07-31)
How long does a tree removal permit take in Belmont?
City contacts you within 72 business hours of the online application to schedule the arborist visit; permit can be issued at the visit. Posting period: 48 hours before removal (waivable for emergencies). Permit valid 60 days. Code states only that the reviewing authority 'must timely determine whether to issue the permit' (BCC 25-6(b)(3)). (verified 2026-07-31)
Does Belmont require an arborist report for a tree removal permit?
Sometimes required. Non-development permits: no arborist report listed; the City Arborist books an on-site visit within 72 business hours and 'will assess your tree to determine if a permit may be issued' (Parks & Recreation page). Code application contents (BCC 25-6(a)(2)) list no report, only 'any other pertinent information as may be required by the City Manager.' Development-related permits (building permits, design review, variances): 'the decision-maker may require an Arborist Report or Standard Tree Protection Measures, as appropriate.' (verified 2026-07-31)
Can I remove a tree for fire safety in Belmont without a permit?
Exempt from the permit when the conditions are met. No permit is needed to remove a protected tree that the fire marshal (or another city official acting officially) has determined is a substantial fire hazard that cannot reasonably be mitigated (BCC 25-5(b)(2)); any other fire-safety removal needs the normal permit, which must be issued without weighing criteria for blue gum, Monterey pine, palm, acacia and dead trees. (verified 2026-07-31)
How does Belmont measure a tree for the permit threshold?
Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 10" DBH (natives) / 14" DBH (others), at 4.5 ft above natural grade (verified 2026-07-31)
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Belmont?
Yes, if the tree is protected under Belmont's tree ordinance (Chapter 25). Principal Native Trees (coast live oak, valley oak, redwood, madrone, bay laurel, and buckeye) are protected at 10 inches DBH, single stem or three largest stems totaling 10 inches, measured 4.5 feet above natural grade (BCC Sec. 25-2). All other species are protected as Large Diameter Trees at 14 inches DBH (single stem) or when the three largest stems total 18 inches DBH. City and right-of-way trees are protected at any size. Blue gum eucalyptus, Monterey pine, palms, acacias, and dead trees still need a permit if they meet protected-tree size, but the City must issue it without weighing removal criteria (BCC Sec. 25-7(b)); replacement planting or the in-lieu fee still applies. Belmont has no heritage tree designation.
What trees are protected in Belmont?
Principal Native Trees (coast live oak, valley oak, redwood, madrone, bay laurel, and buckeye) are protected at 10 inches DBH, single stem or three largest stems totaling 10 inches, measured 4.5 feet above natural grade (BCC Sec. 25-2). All other species are protected as Large Diameter Trees at 14 inches DBH (single stem) or when the three largest stems total 18 inches DBH. City trees, right-of-way trees, and replacement trees are protected at any size. Blue gum eucalyptus, Monterey pine, palms, acacias, and dead trees still need a permit if they meet protected-tree size, but the City must issue it without weighing removal criteria (BCC Sec. 25-7(b)); replacement planting or the in-lieu fee still applies. Belmont has no heritage tree designation.
What is a heritage tree in Belmont?
Belmont has no heritage tree designation. Chapter 25 protects five categories: Principal Native Trees (10″ DBH), Large Diameter Trees (14″ single stem or 18″ multi-stem), City Trees, Right-of-Way Trees, and Replacement Trees. The only Council role in individual removals is hearing appeals of staff decisions (BCC Sec. 25-6(d)).
Can I remove eucalyptus without a permit in Belmont?
Not without a permit. Blue gum eucalyptus, Monterey pine, palms, acacias, and dead trees still need a permit if they meet protected-tree size, but the City must issue it without weighing removal criteria (BCC Sec. 25-7(b)); replacement planting or the in-lieu fee still applies. Only blue gum varieties of eucalyptus are on the list, not all eucalyptus. However, city trees and street trees in the right-of-way always require city approval regardless of species.
What is the replacement requirement for protected trees?
For each protected tree removed, you must plant a preferred species tree of at least 15 gallons, or pay an in-lieu of planting fee established by the City Council. The City Arborist specifies acceptable replacement species.
What about trees near Waterdog Lake?
Properties near Waterdog Lake typically have multiple heritage oaks and redwoods on sloped terrain. This area has higher Sudden Oak Death risk due to the moist canyon environment and abundance of bay laurels that spread the pathogen. Plan for both tree preservation and active health monitoring.
Tree permits in nearby cities
Atherton · Burlingame · East Palo Alto · Foster City · Hillsborough · Los Altos Hills · Menlo Park · Pacifica
Compare all 56 cities in the 56-city ordinance table, or run the permit checker.
Not sure what Belmont will ask for?
A 20-minute call with an ISA Certified Arborist usually settles it: permit or no permit, report or no report, and what it will cost.