Tree Code

A permit is required to remove a tree with a trunk that is 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) or greater. Stumps, shrubs and hedges, including rhododendrons, camellias, English laurel, Portuguese laurel, Photinia, arborvitae, and hazelnuts, are not considered trees.

Click here to access the Tree Removal Permit Types Fees

• Invasive and Emergency tree removal permits are free.
• Type I, Dead, and Hazardous tree removal permits 
• Type II tree removal applications 

DBH is determined by measuring the circumference (all the way around the trunk of the tree) in inches of the main trunk at 4.5 feet above the ground and dividing by pi (3.14). If the main trunk splits into smaller leaders below 4.5 feet, measure the circumference just below the trunk split.

No, normal pruning and maintenance does not require a permit. Topping, removing 50% or more of the tree (crown, trunk or root), or damaging a tree resulting in its death are all considered removal and can be subject to enforcement action.

Invasive and Dead tree removal permits do not expire. Type I, Type II, Hazard and Emergency tree removal permits are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. A one-time 60-day extension can be granted if a written request is received by the Planning Department before the permit expires.

Mitigation for removal of a native tree species under a Type II permit requires replanting with a native tree species. The species of the native mitigation tree must be selected from the Native Tree Mitigation List for Type II Tree Removal. If you are not removing a native tree, the species of the mitigation tree is generally the applicant’s choice; however, a condition of approval specifying a specific mitigation species type can be required for Type II permits if significant trees are removed. Additionally, Invasive Trees cannot be used as mitigation trees.  Other resources for picking out your mitigation tree include Right Tree in the Right Place and the Tree Mitigation Handout.

Yes, you can trim portions of the tree that hang on to your property; however, you must obtain permission from your neighbor to trim portions of the tree on your neighbor’s property. Normal pruning and maintenance of trees does not require a permit. Topping, removing 50% or more of the tree, or damage to a tree resulting in its death are all considered removal and can be subject to code enforcement without a permit. If you want to apply to remove a tree that straddles a property line, the tree removal application must be signed by both property owners.

1. The applicant submits their application to the City and posts a public notice sign of the pending tree removal application on the property. The City posts the application on the Pending Type II Permit Applications page and emails a notice of the application to the neighborhood association in which the site is located.
    
2. A 14-day comment period starts from the date of the posting of the public notice.
    
3. Typically, within two business days after the end of the comment period, City staff makes a tentative decision on the application, which is posted on the Pending Type II Permit Applications web page. A notice of the tentative decision is emailed or mailed to the applicant, the recognized neighborhood association where the property is located, and to anyone who submitted comments during the comment period and provided a valid email or mailing address.
    
4. A 7-day appeal period starts from the date of the tentative staff decision. Only those persons that submitted a comment during the 14-day comment period, the applicant, and the neighborhood association in which the site is located may appeal the tentative staff decision.
    
5. If no appeal is filed within the 7-day appeal period, the decision is final.
    
6. If an appeal is timely filed by an eligible party, an appeal notice sign will be posted on the property and a hearing will be scheduled before the Development Review Commission (DRC). The DRC makes the final decision on the application, which may be appealed to the City Council.