Tree Permits in Santa Clara
Santa Clara requires a permit to remove specimen species at 12″ diameter; any other private tree at 38″ diameter; heritage, development-approval or street tree at any size. Measured as trunk diameter (DBH) at 54″ above grade. Arborist report required with the application. Permit fee from $904. Verified July 31, 2026.
Last verified · fees checked · Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A, ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional WE-15750AF
Santa Clara tree ordinance at a glance
| Code section | SCCC Ch. 12.35 (Trees and Shrubs) |
|---|---|
| Protected trees | Specimen trees (9 species groups: CA buckeye, big leaf maple, deodar cedar, blue Atlas cedar, camphor, western sycamore, native oaks, coast redwood, bay laurel): 12"+ DIAMETER. ALL other private trees: 38"+ DIAMETER (not circumference). Heritage (all districts) + development-approval trees + street trees any size |
| Size threshold | 12" dia (specimen) / 38" dia (any species), at 54" above grade; multibranched: 38" below first fork |
| Multi-trunk trees | Multibranched: >=38" below the first fork |
| Dead or hazardous trees | Unsuitable-species approval finding for SFR lots (12.35.090(c)(4)(F)), permit still required; no self-help exemption |
| Fire-safety removals | No special treatment. Santa Clara's ordinance has no fire provision; the city approves a protected-tree removal only on findings such as disease, danger of falling, potential damage to essential structures, trunk within five feet of the residence or garage, or listed unsuitable species on single-family lots (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(4)), and the five-foot rule is framed as structure proximity rather than fire safety. Conditions: Normal permit with an ISA-certified arborist report; findings under 12.35.090(c)(4). source · all cities |
| Permit fee (FY 2026) | Input had no dollar figure. Planning Application Fee Schedule, 'Fees Effective July 1, 2026', Resolution 26-9552 adopted April 21, 2026, last revised 09/11/2026: TREE REMOVAL - Heritage Tree $904.00; Single Family $320.00; All Others $612.00. Public Works lines on same schedule: Tree Removal (per tree) $1,116.00; Tree Planting In-lieu for Private Development Tree Removal (per tree) $2,111.00. 'No fee shall be refunded because of the denial of any application.' 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. Portal filing with owner authorization, 11x17 drawing, ISA report and photos; Community Development decides (Council only for heritage trees) with no notice or posting. Have it filed. |
| Penalties for removal without a permit | Monetary penalty <=$5,000 + (for substantial injury/removal) the monetary value of the tree, per tree, + city cost recovery (12.35.140-.150). No treble multiplier (Civ. Code 3346 is a private civil action) |
| Arborist report | Required. Every application for a protected-tree removal permit (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(2)(C)); also item VI of the Planning Division 'Application Checklist - Tree Removal Permit (Planning)' (Rev. 09/23). For development requiring a discretionary permit and hearing, an ISA-certified tree survey and written report are also required (12.35.100(a)). Who may write it: Arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). |
| Who to call | Community Development, Planning (408) 615-2450, planning@santaclaraca.gov; street trees: DPW (408) 615-3080 · official page |
- : Fee schedule updated (FY 2026): Input had no dollar figure. Planning Application Fee Schedule, 'Fees Effective July 1, 2026', Resolution 26-9552 adopted April 21, 2026, last revised 09/11/2026: TREE…
Sources: ecode360.com · santaclaraca.gov. Urban Forestry Guide is not a city line; for Santa Clara permit questions use the department above.
Does my tree need a permit in Santa Clara?
A permit is required when the tree is protected and meets the size rule. Santa Clara measures trunk diameter (DBH) at 54″ above the ground.
- Specimen species (CA buckeye, big leaf maple, deodar cedar, blue Atlas cedar, camphor, western sycamore, native oaks, coast redwood, bay laurel): protected at 12″ diameter
- Any other private tree: protected at 38″ diameter
- Heritage, development-approval or street tree: protected at any size
- Multi-trunk trees: Multibranched trees: 38" diameter measured below the first fork.
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 Santa Clara require an arborist report?
Yes. Every application for a protected-tree removal permit (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(2)(C)); also item VI of the Planning Division 'Application Checklist - Tree Removal Permit (Planning)' (Rev. 09/23). For development requiring a discretionary permit and hearing, an ISA-certified tree survey and written report are also required (12.35.100(a)).
Who may write it: Arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).. None found.
“An application for a tree removal permit shall be filed with the Community Development Department and shall contain the following information: (A) A drawing outlining the location of the tree(s) and proposed tree replacements; (B) A written explanation of why the tree(s) should be removed; (C) An arborist report from an arborist certified by the ISA;” municipal code
How to get a tree removal permit in Santa Clara
- File a Tree Removal Permit (Planning) application with the Community Development Department through the City's Permitting Online Portal (register for an account) or in person at the Permit Center, City Hall, 1500 Warburton Avenue; Planning Division (408) 615-2450, planning@santaclaraca.gov. source
- Submit: proof of property owner and/or HOA authorization (with proof of an HOA vote where applicable), a written explanation of why the tree(s) should be removed, a searchable 11x17 PDF drawing showing tree locations and proposed replacements, an arborist report from an ISA-certified arborist, photographs, and any other information Community Development requests (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(2)). source
- Pay the Planning application fee (effective July 1, 2026): Tree Removal - Single Family $320, All Others $612, Heritage Tree $904, plus a 3.37% technology surcharge; no fee is refunded if denied. source
- The City may investigate the site; Community Development must make at least one finding (irreversible disease/danger/damage to essential structures or on-site utilities, restricted economic enjoyment with no reasonable alternative, overcrowding, trunk within 5 ft of the residence/secondary unit/garage, trunk within 5 ft of a below-ground utility line, or unsuitable species on a single-family lot). source
- Community Development approves, conditionally approves, or denies the permit (City Council decides heritage trees) and may require replacement trees at the code ratios as a condition. source
| Timeline | No published timeline; no posting or neighbor-notice period in SCCC 12.35 or on the Planning checklist. “The Department of Community Development shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the tree removal application.” source |
|---|---|
| Appeal | Not published for tree removal permit decisions: SCCC 12.35 contains no appeal provision. The Planning Division's Planning Appeal Form (Rev. 01/26) covers Development Review Hearing and Planning Commission actions with a 7-calendar-day filing window; the fee schedule lists Appeals - Non-Applicant Resident $568, All Others $11,390. “All appeals must be filed with the Planning Division within seven calendar days of the action being appealed.” source |
| Replacement | SCCC 12.35.090(c)(7): at Community Development's discretion replacement trees are required as a permit condition at these ratios - dead or unsuitable tree (eucalyptus, liquidambar, pine, tree of heaven, tulip tree, palm): 1:1, minimum 15-gallon; single-family residence: 1:1, minimum 15-gallon; multifamily/commercial/industrial: 2:1 (24-inch box) or 4:1 (15-gallon). Where on-site replacement is infeasible the applicant may propose an alternative (e.g., planting a street tree per City direction) subject to Director of Community Development approval. Fee schedule lists a DPW 'Tree Planting In-lieu for Private Development Tree Removal (per tree) $2,111' under other departmental review fees. source |
| Forms | Application Checklist - Tree Removal Permit (Planning) (Rev. 09/23) · Planning Application Fee Schedule (effective July 1, 2026, rev. 09/11/2026) · Planning Appeal Form (Rev. 01/26) · Planning Division page (portal link 'Apply for a Planning Permit or Entitlement') |
Process verified October 9, 2026 against the city's code, forms and department pages.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit?
Up to $5,000 per tree plus the tree's appraised value
Unpermitted removal or damage carries a city penalty of up to $5,000 per tree plus the appraised monetary value of the tree, and the city may recover enforcement costs (SCCC 12.35.140, 12.35.150). For large coast live oaks on established properties, appraised values can reach $50,000+, so the exposure for a single tree can exceed $55,000. There is no treble multiplier in the city code.
A permit costs $320 for a single-family lot ($612 for other properties, $904 for a heritage tree), and the City does not publish a review timeline. The penalties for skipping it are orders of magnitude higher. There's no scenario where unpermitted removal saves money.
Arborist Notes: Santa Clara
The specimen list is longer than oaks
Native oaks, coast redwood, California bay, deodar and blue Atlas cedar, camphor, western sycamore, big leaf maple, and buckeye are protected at 12 inches diameter. Measure 54 inches above grade. Every other species is protected at 38 inches; a multi-branched tree is measured below the first fork. Rivermark and Agnew are younger; Old Quad holds the trees that matter.
The Alameda and Old Quad oaks
The corridor near the university holds heritage coast live oaks and redwoods older than the houses by decades. I have appraised individual Old Quad oaks at $50,000 to $100,000 or more using the CTLA trunk formula. A tree like that deserves an annual health check. A declining oak on a roof is a six-figure problem.
Unsuitable species still need the permit
On single-family lots the City can approve removal of blue gum eucalyptus, sweet gum, pines, tree of heaven, and palms as unsuitable species. A protected tree still needs the permit. Replacement depends on property type, not tree size. A single-family lot plants one 15-gallon tree. Multifamily and commercial sites plant two 24-inch box or four 15-gallon trees. I have seen replanting cost more than removal.
When to call me
Every tree removal application in Santa Clara must include a report from an ISA certified arborist. That applies to a 14-inch coast live oak and a 40-inch liquidambar alike. The report is where the case gets made, so have it written before you file.
Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Santa Clara?
Unsuitable-species approval finding for SFR lots (12.35.090(c)(4)(F)), permit still required; no self-help exemption (verified 2026-07-31)
What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in Santa Clara?
Monetary penalty <=$5,000 + (for substantial injury/removal) the monetary value of the tree, per tree, + city cost recovery (12.35.140-.150). No treble multiplier (Civ. Code 3346 is a private civil action) (verified 2026-07-31)
How long does a tree removal permit take in Santa Clara?
No published timeline; no posting or neighbor-notice period in SCCC 12.35 or on the Planning checklist. (verified 2026-07-31)
Does Santa Clara require an arborist report for a tree removal permit?
Required. Every application for a protected-tree removal permit (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(2)(C)); also item VI of the Planning Division 'Application Checklist - Tree Removal Permit (Planning)' (Rev. 09/23). For development requiring a discretionary permit and hearing, an ISA-certified tree survey and written report are also required (12.35.100(a)). (verified 2026-07-31)
Can I remove a tree for fire safety in Santa Clara without a permit?
No special treatment in the ordinance. Santa Clara's ordinance has no fire provision; the city approves a protected-tree removal only on findings such as disease, danger of falling, potential damage to essential structures, trunk within five feet of the residence or garage, or listed unsuitable species on single-family lots (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(4)), and the five-foot rule is framed as structure proximity rather than fire safety. (verified 2026-07-31)
How does Santa Clara measure a tree for the permit threshold?
Trunk diameter (DBH) at 54 inches above grade. 12" dia (specimen) / 38" dia (any species), at 54" above grade; multibranched: 38" below first fork (verified 2026-07-31)
When do I need a permit to remove a tree in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara uses a two-tier protection system under SCCC Chapter 12.35. Specimen trees (coast live oak, valley oak, California bay, coast redwood, and other listed species) are protected at 12 inches trunk diameter measured at 54 inches above grade. All other private trees are protected at 38 inches trunk diameter. Street trees require city authorization regardless of size. No species is exempt by name, but on single-family lots the Community Development Department may approve removal of species the code deems unsuitable for single-family lots (blue gum eucalyptus, sweet gum, pines, tree of heaven, tulip tree, Siberian elm, carob, and palms) under SCCC 12.35.090(c)(4)(F); a permit is still required if the tree is protected. Contact the Planning Division at (408) 615-2450 or planning@santaclaraca.gov if you're unsure.
Which tree species are protected in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara protects specimen trees of nine listed species groups at 12 inches trunk diameter measured 54 inches above grade: native oaks (including coast live oak and valley oak), coast redwood, bay laurel, camphor, deodar cedar, blue Atlas cedar, big leaf maple, western sycamore, and California buckeye. All other private trees reach protection at 38 inches trunk diameter (SCCC 12.35.080). No species is exempt from Santa Clara's permit requirement by name. However, on single-family lots the Community Development Department may approve removal of species the code deems unsuitable for single-family lots: blue gum eucalyptus, sweet gum (liquidambar), pines, tree of heaven, tulip tree, Siberian elm, carob, and palms (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(4)(F)). A permit is still required if the tree is protected, including any tree of any species with a trunk diameter of 38 inches or more measured 54 inches above grade (SCCC 12.35.080(d)).
Who handles street trees in Santa Clara?
Street trees are city property managed by the Public Works Department at (408) 615-3080. You cannot remove, top, or significantly prune a street tree. If a street tree is dropping debris, blocking visibility, or appears hazardous, report it to Public Works. The city handles maintenance at no cost. Damaging a street tree carries a monetary penalty of up to $5,000 plus the tree's monetary value under SCCC 12.35.140; Public Works also cites a fine of up to $1,000 plus replacement and administrative costs.
Can I remove any tree without a permit in Santa Clara?
Only if the tree is not protected. Any tree below the protection threshold (12 inches diameter for the nine specimen species groups, 38 inches for everything else, measured 54 inches above grade) does not need a permit unless it is a street tree, a designated heritage tree, or a tree required by a development approval. No species is exempt by name: on single-family lots the City may approve removal of unsuitable species (blue gum eucalyptus, sweet gum, pines, tree of heaven, tulip tree, Siberian elm, carob, and palms), but a permit is still required if the tree is protected (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(4)(F), 12.35.080(d)).
Do I need an arborist report for tree removal in Santa Clara?
Yes. Every application for a protected-tree removal permit must include an arborist report from an ISA-certified arborist (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(2)(C)). Development requiring a discretionary permit and hearing also needs an ISA-certified tree survey and written report (12.35.100(a)). Reports typically cost $400-$1,200 in the Santa Clara market.
What are Santa Clara's tree replacement requirements?
Replacement requirements in the City of Santa Clara depend on the property type, not the tree's size class (SCCC 12.35.090(c)(7)): removals on single-family lots and removals of dead or unsuitable trees are replaced 1:1 with a minimum 15-gallon tree; removals on multifamily, commercial, or industrial property are replaced at 2:1 with 24-inch box trees or 4:1 with 15-gallon trees. If on-site planting is not feasible, the city's fee schedule lists an in-lieu tree planting fee for private development tree removal ($2,111 per tree).
Tree permits in nearby cities
Campbell · Cupertino · Los Altos · Los Gatos · Milpitas · Monte Sereno · Mountain View · San Jose
Compare all 56 cities in the 56-city ordinance table, or run the permit checker.
Not sure what Santa Clara 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.