YardCareDirectory

California Tree Removal Permit Requirements

PERMIT LIKELY REQUIRED

No uniform statewide rule, but most California cities have tree ordinances — among the strictest in the nation.

Issuing authority: City or county planning / urban forestry department
Permit Fee
$50–$500 depending on jurisdiction and tree
Processing Time
10–30 business days
Protected Species
7
City Rules Listed
5
Protected Species in CA
Coast Live OakValley OakCoastal RedwoodGiant SequoiaCalifornia SycamoreBlue OakEngelmann Oak
These species commonly trigger permit requirements or stricter review in California jurisdictions. Check with your specific city — protections vary by municipality.
Common Exemptions
  • +Dead trees (documentation required)
  • +Imminent hazard (arborist certification often required)
  • +Trees under 4 inches DBH in most cities
  • +Invasive species on approved removal lists

Exemptions still often require documentation. Bring photos, contractor assessments, or an ISA-certified arborist report to support a hazard or disease claim.

Heritage Trees

Many California cities maintain protected tree registries. San Francisco, Berkeley, and Los Angeles all have formal heritage tree programs with significant legal protections.

Penalties for Unpermitted Removal

Penalties vary widely: $500–$5,000 per tree in smaller cities; up to $15,000 per oak in some Bay Area jurisdictions. Replacement mitigation typically required.

Rules by City in California

Los Angeles

Protected trees (oaks, native trees over 8 inches DBH, designated street trees) require permits. CEQA review may apply for larger projects.

Fee: $73 base fee + arborist reportHeritage oaks require additional environmental review.
San Francisco

Street trees are city property — private removal prohibited. Private property trees are regulated by urban forestry.

Fee: $168 application feeSF has among the most complex tree removal processes in the state.
San Diego

Native oaks, California sycamores, and other protected species require a tree removal permit.

Fee: $89 permit feeCoastal sage scrub areas have additional review requirements.
Sacramento

Trees over 8 inches DBH in development zones require permits. Street trees are city property.

Fee: $52 per treeReplacement ratio of 2:1 typically required.
Oakland

Private trees over 18 inches DBH require permits. Protected species thresholds are lower.

Fee: $225–$700 depending on projectLive oaks and redwoods are subject to special protections.
Tips for California Homeowners
  1. Hire an ISA certified arborist to document any tree's condition before applying — cities will ask for this.
  2. Street trees are almost always city property. Never remove one without contacting the city arborist first.
  3. For heritage trees, budget 4–8 weeks for permit processing and be prepared for denial.
  4. Replacement requirements can add significant cost — up to 3x the removed tree's caliper in new plantings.
HOA Consideration: California HOAs can prohibit tree removal even when city permits are granted. Both approvals are often required. Check your governing documents.
Find tree services in California that handle permits
Licensed professionals know local rules and will pull permits for you.
Tree Services in California