Tree Permits in East Palo Alto
East Palo Alto requires a permit to remove any species at 8″; tree preserved, planted or replaced under a development approval at any size; tree in a public street or right-of-way at any size. Measured as trunk diameter (DBH) at 54″ above grade. Arborist report required with the application. Permit fee from $519. Verified October 12, 2026.
Last verified · fees checked · Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, Certified Urban Forest Professional WE-15750AF
East Palo Alto tree ordinance at a glance
| Code section | EPAMC Development Code Title 18, Art. 3, Ch. 18.28 (Trees on Private Property), secs. 18.28.010-18.28.110 (Ord. No. 02-2022, 5/3/2022); public trees Ch. 12.16; Municode version Jun 9, 2026 (Supp. 25) |
|---|---|
| Protected trees | Any species: 'Protected Tree' = any tree on private property with a main stem or trunk 8" or greater in diameter at 54" above grade (DSH) (about 25" circumference, the figure on the city's June 2025 handout); plus any tree required to be preserved or planted as a condition of a development approval, and any replacement tree for an unlawfully removed tree (any size). Trees in a public street or right-of-way: any size, through Public Works (Ch. 12.16). No species exemptions; Cal-IPC-listed invasive trees are a removal criterion, not an exemption. |
| Size threshold | 8" DSH (any species) at 54" above grade; city handout expresses it as 25" circumference at 54" Code (18.28.020): '8" or greater in diameter at a height of 54" above grade (DSH)'. The Planning handout (6/16/2025) says 'circumference of 25 inches or greater at a height of 54 inches above grade' (8" x pi = 25.1"), so the two agree. Earlier handouts used different numbers (2020: 40" circumference at 24"; undated 2024-era: 24" circumference at 40") and are superseded by Ord. 02-2022. Development tree surveys list all trees 6" DSH and greater (18.28.060(C)(1)(a)). |
| Multi-trunk trees | None. 18.28.020 measures 'a main stem or trunk'; no multi-trunk or aggregate provision. |
| Dead or hazardous trees | Dead trees, trees expected to die within 5 years, trees at ISA high or extreme risk, and Cal-IPC invasive trees are removal criterion A (18.28.070(A)); the permit and ISA-certified arborist report are still required, but 'Where an arborist report indicates that a tree fits this category, fees may be waived.' Emergency (18.28.060(E)): a tree that 'presents an immediate hazard to life or property, as defined by ANSI A300' may be removed without a permit only 'on order of the City Manager, Building Official, or the Director; an after-the-event permit will be required.' City handout: the person acting must report to Community Development within 5 working days with a certified arborist report and photographs documenting the condition; an encroachment permit may be needed from Public Works. |
| Permit fee | Comprehensive Fee Schedule effective July 18, 2026 (Planning): 'Tree Removal* 1-2 trees Base $519; 3 or more Per Tree $30' (the schedule does not say whether the $30 per-tree line is added to the $519 base or replaces it). Fees may be waived when the arborist report shows the tree is dead, dying within 5 years, high/extreme risk or invasive (18.28.070(A)). Financial security (check or approved alternative) for the appraised value of affected trees plus replacement-tree value and staff time, refunded on proof of replacement or in-lieu payment (18.28.060(G)); handout: bond/deposit equal to the appraised value, or replacement-tree cost for a dead tree. Appeals to Planning Commission $9,595 (general Planning line). In-lieu fee = CTLA appraised value of the removed tree (18.28.080(B)). fee schedule |
| Penalties for removal without a permit | Violation is unlawful and a public nuisance, enforced under Chapter 1.118 (handout cites 18.118); intentional or negligent removal without a permit requires replanting each tree with two or three new trees, or more as the Director determines, to replace the lost canopy within 10-15 years, under a five-year maintenance agreement; if on-site replacement is insufficient the Director sets a civil penalty equal to the CTLA-appraised value of the tree(s) plus the cost of planting elsewhere, in addition to penalties prescribed by law; tree-removal, landscaping and construction businesses face business-license revocation (18.28.110). |
| Arborist report | Required. Every Tree Removal Permit application, private or development-related: 18.28.060(A) 'A Certified Arborist report as noted below, is required'; 18.28.060(B) 'The application shall include a tree report by a Certified Arborist report. Any expense associated with the preparation of the tree report shall be the responsibility of the applicant.' Planning handout (6/16/2025) STEP 1: 'Obtain an arborist report from an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist. The report must cite one, or more, of the criteria listed in Section 18.28.070'; required contents: site plan, photos, species, height, circumference at 54 inches, health, risk, why the tree cannot be saved (risk-management pruning, structural support, site/cultural conditions, IPM), reason per 18.28.070, proposed replacement. Development projects also need an Arborist Report and Tree Protection Plan covering all trees 6" DSH and greater with CTLA appraisal, and a final arborist report before acceptance (18.28.060(C)). Emergency removals need a certified arborist report within 5 working days (handout). Who may write it: 'Certified Arborist. An arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture and approved by the Director.' (18.28.020); handout: 'ISA certified arborist'. |
| Who to call | Planning Division, Community and Economic Development Department, 1960 Tate Street, East Palo Alto 94303; (650) 853-3189; planning@cityofepa.org. Public/street trees: Public Works/Engineering, Engineering@cityofepa.org, 853-3189. · official page |
- : Fee schedule updated (current schedule): Comprehensive Fee Schedule effective July 18, 2026 (Planning): 'Tree Removal* 1-2 trees Base $519; 3 or more Per Tree $30' (the schedule does not say whether the $30…
Sources: library.municode.com · cityofepa.org. Urban Forestry Guide is not a city line; for East Palo Alto permit questions use the department above.
Does my tree need a permit in East Palo Alto?
A permit is required when the tree is protected and meets the size rule. East Palo Alto measures trunk diameter (DBH) at 54″ above the ground.
- Any species: protected at 8″ diameter
- Tree preserved, planted or replaced under a development approval: protected at any size
- Tree in a public street or right-of-way: protected at any size
An ISA-certified arborist report citing a 18.28.070 criterion is required with every tree removal application; the Director decides within 30 days and the decision is final 15 days after notice is mailed.
Older city handouts (2020: 40" circumference at 24"; 2024: 24" circumference at 40") are superseded by Ord. 02-2022.
Excessive pruning, topping or girdling counts as removal (18.28.020, 18.28.050); normal pruning needs no permit.
Fee structure for 3 or more trees ($519 base plus or instead of $30 per tree).
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 East Palo Alto require an arborist report?
Yes. Every Tree Removal Permit application, private or development-related: 18.28.060(A) 'A Certified Arborist report as noted below, is required'; 18.28.060(B) 'The application shall include a tree report by a Certified Arborist report. Any expense associated with the preparation of the tree report shall be the responsibility of the applicant.' Planning handout (6/16/2025) STEP 1: 'Obtain an arborist report from an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist. The report must cite one, or more, of the criteria listed in Section 18.28.070'; required contents: site plan, photos, species, height, circumference at 54 inches, health, risk, why the tree cannot be saved (risk-management pruning, structural support, site/cultural conditions, IPM), reason per 18.28.070, proposed replacement. Development projects also need an Arborist Report and Tree Protection Plan covering all trees 6" DSH and greater with CTLA appraisal, and a final arborist report before acceptance (18.28.060(C)). Emergency removals need a certified arborist report within 5 working days (handout).
Who may write it: 'Certified Arborist. An arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture and approved by the Director.' (18.28.020); handout: 'ISA certified arborist'.. None published that I found; code requires Director approval of the arborist.
“Tree Removal Permit. No person shall remove, destroy or disfigure any protected tree within the city without a permit. ... A Certified Arborist report as noted below, is required.” municipal code
How to get a tree removal permit in East Palo Alto
- Confirm the tree is protected: any tree on private property 8 inches or more in diameter at 54 inches above grade (handout: 25 inches circumference), or a tree required to be preserved or planted by a development approval or as a replacement tree. Trees in the street or public right-of-way go to Public Works (Engineering@cityofepa.org) regardless of size. source
- STEP 1: obtain a report from an ISA-certified arborist citing one or more of the 18.28.070 criteria (dead/dying within 5 years/high-extreme risk/invasive; structurally unsound and uncorrectable; visible property damage uncorrectable without destroying canopy or roots; interferes with a well-integrated development that will plant replacements; utility or public-agency safety request). The report must include a site plan, photos, species, height, circumference at 54 inches, health and risk discussion, why the tree cannot be saved, and the proposed replacement tree. source
- STEP 2: submit the Universal Planning Application, the arborist report, a public-notification packet per the Community Outreach Requirements for Small Projects (owners map and list, two sets of labels, stamped envelopes, Public Notice Affidavit, on-site posting sign), and the tree removal fee from the Comprehensive Fee Schedule ($519 for 1-2 trees, FY 2026-27); the owner must also post a dated notice on or near the tree for adjacent owners and tenants (18.28.090(A)). source
- STEPS 3-5: staff has 30 days to review and inspects the site; initial comments issue before the end of the 30 days; when the permit is deemed complete a pre-approval notice goes to adjacent neighbours for a 15-day period before the decision (handout); the Director decides within 30 days of a complete application, mails notice of decision to the applicant, adjacent owners/occupants and anyone requesting notice, and the decision becomes final 15 days after mailing (18.28.090(B)). source
- After approval: post a second notice at least 48 hours before removal (18.28.090(A)); meet the Conditions of Approval in the approval letter: plant the replacement tree(s) within 60 days of the permit's effective date, provide an arborist report or photos certifying removal within 60 days, post a bond/deposit equal to the appraised tree value (or replacement cost for a dead tree), obtain contractor/business-license information, and check with Engineering whether an encroachment permit is needed; schedule a final inspection to release the deposit. source
| Timeline | Director decision within 30 days of a complete application (18.28.090(B)); decision final 15 days after notice is mailed; handout adds a 15-day pre-approval neighbour notice before the decision and 60 days after the effective date to remove and replant. Appeal window 15 days. “Tree removal permit applications shall be reviewed and decided upon by the Director within 30 days of a complete application being submitted. Notice of the decision will be mailed to the applicant, the owners and occupants of all adjacent properties, and any person requesting notice of the decision. The decision shall become final 15 days after the notice is mailed.” source |
|---|---|
| Appeal | The Director's decision may be appealed in writing within 15 days of the notice of decision, to the Planning Commission under Chapter 18.106 (the 6/2/2025 city handout cites 18.116); the Planning Commission's decision is final (18.28.090(B)). Fee schedule (eff. 7/18/2026): 'Appeals to Planning Commission Each $9,595' (general Planning line; not tree-specific). “The decision of the Director may be appealed within 15 days of the notice of decision by filing an appeal in writing. Appeals shall be to the Planning Commission and conducted consistent with the provisions of Chapter 18.106. The decision of the Planning Commission is final.” source |
| Replacement | 18.28.080: 'If the city allows a tree to be removed, either replacement tree(s) of an equivalent value must be planted or an in-lieu fee must be paid. A. Replacement. Trees shall be replaced on a one-to-one basis; however, more than one replacement tree may be required to accomplish the goal of replacing the lost canopy. Replacement tree(s) planted on-site are a priority. B. In-Lieu. If replacement cannot be fully accomplished on-site, staff may authorize payment of in-lieu fees. The value of the removed tree(s) for in-lieu fee payment shall be calculated in compliance with the latest edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.' Handout: replacement planted within 60 days of the permit's effective date; bond/deposit equal to appraised value held until final inspection. source |
| Forms | Tree Removal Permit (Chapter 18.28) handout with arborist report requirements and Community Outreach handout (Planning Division, file dated 6/16/2025) · City of East Palo Alto Tree Ordinance Information (Planning Division, 6/2/2025) · Planning Division Handouts page (Universal Planning Application, Public Notice Affidavit, On-site Posting memo) · Comprehensive Fee Schedule effective July 18, 2026 |
Process verified October 12, 2026 against the city's code, forms and department pages.
Frequently asked questions about tree permits in East Palo Alto
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in East Palo Alto?
Dead trees, trees expected to die within 5 years, trees at ISA high or extreme risk, and Cal-IPC invasive trees are removal criterion A (18.28.070(A)); the permit and ISA-certified arborist report are still required, but 'Where an arborist report indicates that a tree fits this category, fees may be waived.' Emergency (18.28.060(E)): a tree that 'presents an immediate hazard to life or property, as defined by ANSI A300' may be removed without a permit only 'on order of the City Manager, Building Official, or the Director; an after-the-event permit will be required.' City handout: the person acting must report to Community Development within 5 working days with a certified arborist report and photographs documenting the condition; an encroachment permit may be needed from Public Works.
What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in East Palo Alto?
Violation is unlawful and a public nuisance, enforced under Chapter 1.118 (handout cites 18.118); intentional or negligent removal without a permit requires replanting each tree with two or three new trees, or more as the Director determines, to replace the lost canopy within 10-15 years, under a five-year maintenance agreement; if on-site replacement is insufficient the Director sets a civil penalty equal to the CTLA-appraised value of the tree(s) plus the cost of planting elsewhere, in addition to penalties prescribed by law; tree-removal, landscaping and construction businesses face business-license revocation (18.28.110).
How long does a tree removal permit take in East Palo Alto?
Director decision within 30 days of a complete application (18.28.090(B)); decision final 15 days after notice is mailed; handout adds a 15-day pre-approval neighbour notice before the decision and 60 days after the effective date to remove and replant. Appeal window 15 days.
Does East Palo Alto require an arborist report for a tree removal permit?
Required. Every Tree Removal Permit application, private or development-related: 18.28.060(A) 'A Certified Arborist report as noted below, is required'; 18.28.060(B) 'The application shall include a tree report by a Certified Arborist report. Any expense associated with the preparation of the tree report shall be the responsibility of the applicant.' Planning handout (6/16/2025) STEP 1: 'Obtain an arborist report from an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist. The report must cite one, or more, of the criteria listed in Section 18.28.070'; required contents: site plan, photos, species, height, circumference at 54 inches, health, risk, why the tree cannot be saved (risk-management pruning, structural support, site/cultural conditions, IPM), reason per 18.28.070, proposed replacement. Development projects also need an Arborist Report and Tree Protection Plan covering all trees 6" DSH and greater with CTLA appraisal, and a final arborist report before acceptance (18.28.060(C)). Emergency removals need a certified arborist report within 5 working days (handout).
How does East Palo Alto measure a tree for the permit threshold?
Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. Diameter at 54" above grade (DSH), 8" or more for any species; the city handout expresses the same threshold as 25" circumference at 54".
Tree permits in nearby cities
Atherton · Belmont · Burlingame · Foster City · Hillsborough · Menlo Park · Pacifica · Palo Alto
Compare all 45 cities in the 45-city ordinance table, or run the permit checker.
Not sure what East Palo Alto 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.