Do I Need a Tree Permit in Redwood City?
Redwood City is unique — tree permits are completely free. The city wants you to apply rather than skip the process. The threshold is 12 inches diameter, penalties stack at $500 per tree, and processing takes just 10 working days. Here's how it works.
Does my tree need a permit?
Select your tree type and measure the trunk to get an instant answer based on Redwood City's ordinance (Tree Preservation Ordinance (1970)).
DBH = diameter measured at 6–36 inches above natural grade. Wrap a tape around the trunk and divide by 3.14.
What trees are protected in Redwood City?
Redwood City stands out for two reasons: permits are completely free (to encourage compliance), and the measurement range is 6–36 inches above natural grade rather than the standard breast height. The 1970 ordinance is one of the oldest tree protection laws on the Peninsula. Penalties are lower than neighboring cities at $500 per tree, but they stack — removing 5 trees without a permit means $2,500 in fines.
| Category | Protected at | Notes | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| All private trees | ≥12″ diameter | At 6–36″ above natural grade (unique range) | $500 per tree (stacking) |
| Street trees | Any size | City-owned, in public right-of-way | City replacement + penalties |
Not sure if your tree qualifies?
Measure first. An arborist consultation ($150–$300) is far cheaper than violation penalties. Call Community Development at (650) 780-7234 — they can often tell you on the phone whether your tree is likely protected.
How to get a tree removal permit in Redwood City
Redwood City's permit process runs through Community Development. Here's the step-by-step sequence:
Measure your tree
Measure trunk diameter at any point between 6 and 36 inches above natural grade (Redwood City's unique measurement range). If 12 inches or more, the tree is protected.
Submit permit application
File the Tree Removal Permit with Community Development at (650) 780-7234. The permit is free — no fee required. Include photos and a description of the tree and reason for removal.
City review
Community Development reviews the application. Processing takes approximately 10 working days — the fastest standard timeline on the Peninsula.
Receive permit and schedule work
Once approved, hire a licensed tree service (CSLB C-61/D-49). Replacement planting may be required. The permit must be on-site during removal.
Receive permit and schedule work
Once approved, hire a licensed tree service contractor (CSLB C-61/D-49). The permit must be on-site during removal. Replacement planting may be required per permit conditions.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit?
$500 per tree — and they stack
Each tree removed without a permit is a separate $500 violation. Remove 5 trees: $2,500. Remove 10: $5,000. The city may also require replacement plantings. While $500 per tree is lower than most Peninsula cities, the stacking nature means multiple-tree violations add up quickly. And since the permit is free, there's zero financial reason to skip it.
A permit costs Free and takes 10 days. The penalties for skipping it are orders of magnitude higher. There's no scenario where unpermitted removal saves money.
Redwood City Community Development — contact and resources
Call before you apply
Community Development staff at (650) 780-7234 can often tell you whether your tree is likely protected before you spend money on an arborist report. Worth a 10-minute call.
Frequently asked questions
Does pruning require a permit in Redwood City?
Pruning that follows ISA standards and removes less than 25% of the canopy does not typically require a permit. Significant structural pruning on protected trees should be discussed with Community Development first.
What if the tree is dead or hazardous?
Dead or hazardous trees can be removed, but notify Community Development at (650) 780-7234 first. Since the permit is free, there's no financial barrier to getting proper approval even in urgent situations.
Why are Redwood City tree permits free?
Redwood City's 1970 Tree Preservation Ordinance was designed to encourage compliance. By removing the permit fee entirely, the city eliminates any financial incentive to skip the permit process. The goal is to have oversight of tree removals, not to generate revenue from permits.
Related reading for Redwood City tree owners
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