Tree Permits in Monte Sereno
Monte Sereno requires a permit to remove oak or redwood at 20″; any other species at 25″. Measured as trunk circumference at 48″ above grade. Arborist report required in some cases. Permit fee from $100. Verified October 12, 2026.
Last verified · fees checked · Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, Certified Urban Forest Professional WE-15750AF
Monte Sereno tree ordinance at a glance
| Code section | Monte Sereno Municipal Code Title 10, Ch. 10.15 (Tree Preservation), secs. 10.15.010-10.15.090 (Ord. NS-217, 12-18-2018; amended Ord. NS-228 12-21-2021, NS-229 1-4-2022, NS-240 11-7-2023; Municode version Feb 18, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Protected trees | Significant tree: (1) oaks or redwoods with circumference greater than 20" at 48" above natural grade; (2) any other species with circumference greater than 25" at 48" above natural grade. Dead trees (certified-arborist determination) and 'unsuitable trees' (blue gum and red gum eucalyptus, black acacia, tree of heaven, tulip tree, all palms, privet, Monterey pine, fruit trees, on lots used for a dwelling) still need a permit but are decided by staff with no fee; every other significant-tree removal needs a Site and Architecture Commission permit after a noticed hearing. Trees below the size tiers need no permit. |
| Size threshold | oaks/redwoods >20" circumference; any other tree >25" circumference, at 48" above natural grade Code uses 'greater than' 20 / 25 inches (strictly more than). City application form asks for circumference 'at 4 feet above grade' and the 10/2022 SDP submittal sheet says '4 feet above ground level'; all three are the same 48-inch height. No diameter equivalent is published. |
| Multi-trunk trees | None. 10.15.015(A) defines a significant tree by a single circumference measurement and the chapter contains no multi-trunk or aggregate provision. |
| Dead or hazardous trees | Permit still required for dead trees and unsuitable species, but decided by the City Manager or City Planner at staff level with a written decision and no fee (10.15.040, 10.15.050(D), application form). 'Dead tree' must be determined by a certified arborist during a non-dormant stage (10.15.015(B)). Emergency exception only when a significant tree is hazardous or dangerous to life or property AND removal 'has been approved by order of the City Manager or the Manager's designee' (10.15.020(A)); the July 2024 brochure routes hazardous/dangerous trees to staff review. Hazardous Tree Removal Rebate: up to 50% of removal cost, max $1,000, one per parcel, WUI parcels only, listed fire-hazard species at least 25" circumference at 4 ft, after a permit is approved and before removal (rebate application 7/2024). |
| Permit fee | Staff-reviewed Tree Removal Permit (dead, unsuitable, hazardous/emergency, or removals tied to an SB9/ADU-type project): no fee. 'Significant Tree Removal (referred to Site and Architecture Commission)': $100 (Master Fee Schedule, Planning Fees item 3, effective August 18, 2025). Appeal $360 (Planning item 17). 'Work Commenced without a Permit': 1x base permit fee in addition (double fees). Schedule note: fees exclude the cost of external reports such as an arborist report, which the applicant pays. Code 10.15.080: unlawful removal requires a permit at double the application fee. fee schedule |
| Penalties for removal without a permit | Citation of $1,000 for removing a significant tree without a permit; the violator must then obtain a permit at double the application fee; plus replacement with one or more trees of equivalent aesthetic quality, or, where replacement cannot match, a cash payment of the tree's value under the CTLA Guide plus planting cost (collectible as a debt to the City) (10.15.080). Master Fee Schedule: work commenced without a permit pays an additional 1x base fee. |
| Arborist report | Sometimes required. At the City's discretion. 10.15.060: when removal is sought because of disease, danger of falling, threat to the owner or neighbours, or because the tree is dead, 'the City may require, at the cost of the applicant for the permit, an inspection and evaluation of any tree or trees proposed to be removed by an arborist who has been prequalified by the City', who prepares a written report on condition and remedial measures. A dead-tree finding itself must be made by a certified arborist (10.15.015(B)). For unsuitable trees the City may require verification of species. Site Development Permit applications that remove a significant tree or encroach on a drip line must include 'a report from a certified arborist' (SDP Tree Removal Submittal Requirements, 10/2022). The stand-alone Tree Removal Permit Application (7/2024) lists no report item. Who may write it: Code: 'an arborist who has been prequalified by the City' (10.15.060); 'certified arborist' for dead-tree determinations (10.15.015(B)) and SDP reports (10/2022 submittal sheet). Certifying body not named. |
| Who to call | Planning Department, City Hall, 18041 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Monte Sereno 95030; (408) 354-7635; CityPlanner@cityofmontesereno.org; applications online at https://epermits.montesereno.org/ · official page |
- : Fee schedule updated (current schedule): Staff-reviewed Tree Removal Permit (dead, unsuitable, hazardous/emergency, or removals tied to an SB9/ADU-type project): no fee. 'Significant Tree Removal (referred to…
Sources: library.municode.com · montesereno.org. Urban Forestry Guide is not a city line; for Monte Sereno permit questions use the department above.
Does my tree need a permit in Monte Sereno?
A permit is required when the tree is protected and meets the size rule. Monte Sereno measures trunk circumference at 48″ above the ground.
- Oak or redwood: protected at 20″ circumference
- Any other species: protected at 25″ circumference
Two tracks: dead, unsuitable-species, hazard/emergency and SB9/ADU-project removals are approved by staff at no fee; every other significant-tree removal needs a Site and Architecture Commission hearing ($100, 300-ft mailed notice).
Site Development Permit applications that remove a significant tree or build inside a drip line must include a certified arborist report (10/2022 submittal sheet).
No published processing time.
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 Monte Sereno require an arborist report?
Sometimes. At the City's discretion. 10.15.060: when removal is sought because of disease, danger of falling, threat to the owner or neighbours, or because the tree is dead, 'the City may require, at the cost of the applicant for the permit, an inspection and evaluation of any tree or trees proposed to be removed by an arborist who has been prequalified by the City', who prepares a written report on condition and remedial measures. A dead-tree finding itself must be made by a certified arborist (10.15.015(B)). For unsuitable trees the City may require verification of species. Site Development Permit applications that remove a significant tree or encroach on a drip line must include 'a report from a certified arborist' (SDP Tree Removal Submittal Requirements, 10/2022). The stand-alone Tree Removal Permit Application (7/2024) lists no report item.
Who may write it: Code: 'an arborist who has been prequalified by the City' (10.15.060); 'certified arborist' for dead-tree determinations (10.15.015(B)) and SDP reports (10/2022 submittal sheet). Certifying body not named.. None published that I found. Code refers to City-prequalified arborists; the City posts a 'Landscape Tree Removal Companies with a Monte Sereno Business License' list (DocumentCenter/View/4222, not read).
“In the event an applicant desires to remove a significant tree due to disease, danger of falling or threat to owner or surrounding residents or to remove a dead tree, the City may require, at the cost of the applicant for the permit, an inspection and evaluation of any tree or trees proposed to be removed by an arborist who has been prequalified by the City.” municipal code
How to get a tree removal permit in Monte Sereno
- Measure circumference at 48 inches above natural grade: oaks and redwoods over 20 inches and any other tree over 25 inches are significant trees and need a Tree Removal Permit; smaller trees need nothing (City brochure 7/2024; MSMC 10.15.015). source
- Submit the Tree Removal Permit Application (rev. 7/2024) online at https://epermits.montesereno.org/: project address and APN, whether the tree is an immediate hazard, and for each tree the species, location, circumference at 4 feet above grade and reason for removal; signed by the property owner (fees non-refundable) with the Indemnification Agreement. source
- Staff route (no fee): dead trees, the listed unsuitable species, and hazardous/dangerous or emergency trees are reviewed by the City Manager or City Planner, who issues a written decision (10.15.040, 10.15.050(D)); the City may require a prequalified arborist's evaluation at the applicant's cost or verification of species (10.15.060). Removals tied to an SB9 two-unit, urban-lot-split or ADU project are also staff-approved with fixed replacement conditions (10.15.070). source
- Commission route ($100): any other significant-tree removal goes to the Site and Architecture Commission; the City mails notice of the hearing to the applicant and all owners within 300 feet and the Commission decides on criteria A-D (economic enjoyment or disease/danger; erosion and drainage; neighbourhood tree cover and property values; what the parcel can support), giving priority to hazard or disease cases (10.15.050(C), 10.15.070). source
- Plant the replacement trees set as a condition of the permit (number, size and species decided per application; SB9/ADU-project removals: two native or drought-tolerant trees of at least 10 inches circumference per tree removed, or one 24-inch box tree per unsuitable tree removed) (10.15.070; brochure). source
- Optional: WUI parcels removing a listed fire-hazard species of at least 25 inches circumference may apply for the Hazardous Tree Removal Rebate (two contractor bids before removal, staff site visits before and after, up to 50% of cost, max $1,000, subject to budget) after the permit is approved. source
| Timeline | No processing time is published. Code: Commission hearing after mailed 300-foot notice; appeal window 10 calendar days after the decision is mailed; Council appeal hearing set 10-60 calendar days after the notice of appeal is received (10.15.090(A)). Rebate program: staff contact within two business days of the rebate application. “The date of hearing shall be not less than ten (10), nor more than sixty (60) calendar days after the notice of appeal was received by the City Clerk.” source |
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| Appeal | Site and Architecture Commission decisions (grant, conditional grant or denial) may be appealed to the City Council by written notice filed with the City Clerk within 10 calendar days after the decision is mailed to the applicant; the applicant, any owner or tenant within 300 feet, a Council member or the City Manager may appeal; de novo public hearing; Council decision final (10.15.090). Appeal fee $360 (Master Fee Schedule 8/18/2025). Staff-level decisions on dead or unsuitable trees are final and not appealable, but a dissatisfied applicant may file an application to be heard by the Commission. “Any action taken by the Site and Architecture Commission pursuant to this Chapter to grant, conditionally grant or deny a tree removal permit may be appealed to the City Council by filing, with the City Clerk, a written notice of appeal within ten (10) calendar days after a copy of the decision of the Commission has been placed in the mail to the applicant.” source |
| Replacement | Commission permits: the Commission 'may impose conditions requiring replacement of trees as may be deemed appropriate to mitigate impacts of development or provide equivalent aesthetic benefits' (10.15.070); brochure: number, size and species set per application. Staff permits for SB9 (10.05.080, Ch. 13.06) and ADU (10.06.140) projects: each tree removed replaced with two native or drought-tolerant trees (not an unsuitable species) of at least 10 inches circumference at 48 inches as planted; each unsuitable tree removed replaced with one native or drought-tolerant 24-inch box tree. Staff may not approve removal of an oak of at least 115 inches circumference for such projects unless state-law exceptions apply (10.15.070). source |
| Forms | Tree Removal Permit Application (rev. 7/2024, with Indemnification Agreement) · Tree Removal Permit Applications - Planning Department Requirements (brochure, 7/2024) · Site Development Permit Tree Removal Submittal Requirements (10/2022) · Hazardous Tree Removal Rebate Application (7/2024, with WUI map) · Master Fee Schedule effective August 18, 2025 · Online permit portal |
Process verified October 12, 2026 against the city's code, forms and department pages.
Frequently asked questions about tree permits in Monte Sereno
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Monte Sereno?
Permit still required for dead trees and unsuitable species, but decided by the City Manager or City Planner at staff level with a written decision and no fee (10.15.040, 10.15.050(D), application form). 'Dead tree' must be determined by a certified arborist during a non-dormant stage (10.15.015(B)). Emergency exception only when a significant tree is hazardous or dangerous to life or property AND removal 'has been approved by order of the City Manager or the Manager's designee' (10.15.020(A)); the July 2024 brochure routes hazardous/dangerous trees to staff review. Hazardous Tree Removal Rebate: up to 50% of removal cost, max $1,000, one per parcel, WUI parcels only, listed fire-hazard species at least 25" circumference at 4 ft, after a permit is approved and before removal (rebate application 7/2024).
What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in Monte Sereno?
Citation of $1,000 for removing a significant tree without a permit; the violator must then obtain a permit at double the application fee; plus replacement with one or more trees of equivalent aesthetic quality, or, where replacement cannot match, a cash payment of the tree's value under the CTLA Guide plus planting cost (collectible as a debt to the City) (10.15.080). Master Fee Schedule: work commenced without a permit pays an additional 1x base fee.
How long does a tree removal permit take in Monte Sereno?
No processing time is published. Code: Commission hearing after mailed 300-foot notice; appeal window 10 calendar days after the decision is mailed; Council appeal hearing set 10-60 calendar days after the notice of appeal is received (10.15.090(A)). Rebate program: staff contact within two business days of the rebate application.
Does Monte Sereno require an arborist report for a tree removal permit?
Sometimes required. At the City's discretion. 10.15.060: when removal is sought because of disease, danger of falling, threat to the owner or neighbours, or because the tree is dead, 'the City may require, at the cost of the applicant for the permit, an inspection and evaluation of any tree or trees proposed to be removed by an arborist who has been prequalified by the City', who prepares a written report on condition and remedial measures. A dead-tree finding itself must be made by a certified arborist (10.15.015(B)). For unsuitable trees the City may require verification of species. Site Development Permit applications that remove a significant tree or encroach on a drip line must include 'a report from a certified arborist' (SDP Tree Removal Submittal Requirements, 10/2022). The stand-alone Tree Removal Permit Application (7/2024) lists no report item.
How does Monte Sereno measure a tree for the permit threshold?
Trunk circumference at 48 inches above grade. Circumference at 48" (4 ft) above natural grade; oaks/redwoods over 20", other species over 25". Code says "greater than", so a tree at exactly 20"/25" is not significant.
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Compare all 45 cities in the 45-city ordinance table, or run the permit checker.
Not sure what Monte Sereno 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.