Each city has it’s own tree care ordinance, and list of protected trees that require a permit for removal or trimming. Here we have organized and listed protected trees in the various counties and cities we where we frequently work.
Alameda County Tree Removal & Permit Info
“The Alameda County Tree Program ensures the preservation of trees in the County’s road right-of-way. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees that are adjacent to their property. Property owners are required to obtain tree permits for planting, trimming, pruning or removal of trees in the right-of-way.”
“Q. Do I need a permit to trim or remove a tree if it’s on my private property?
A. No permits are required to trim or remove a tree that is located on private property, but there are two exceptions:
- The removal of Protected Trees require a permit called a Certificate of Approval. (See question below on Protected Trees).
- The removal of trees that were planted as part of a City-approved landscape plan requires an approval called a Zoning Compliance Determination. To allow removal of trees planted as part of a previously approved plan, an applicant must provide a new planting plan that is consistent with the landscape design standards of the original plan. This situation typically applies to properties that belong to a homeowners association or a planned development. Please contact Planning at (510) 747-6805 for more information.
Q. What type of trees are classified as Protected Trees in Alameda?
A. The following trees are protected in Alameda. Removal of a protected tree requires a Certificate of Approval. Consult a certified arborist if you need assistance identifying a tree on private property.
- All coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) in Alameda with a ten inch (10”) or greater diameter measured four and a half feet (4.5’) above ground.
- All Mexican fan palms (Washingtonia robusta) and California fan palms (Washingtonia filifera) in the public rights of way on both sides of Burbank Street, Portola Avenue, and Eighth Street between Central and Portola Avenues.
- All trees in the three median islands on Thompson Avenue between High Street and Fernside Boulevard, known as Christmas Tree Lane. First island: Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica); Coast Redwood (Sequoia
sempervirens). Second island: Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica); Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens); Monterey Pine (Pinus radiate). Third island: Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica); Coast Redwood (Sequoia
sempervirens); Jellicote Pine (Pinus patula); Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana). - All sycamore (London plane trees) (Platanus acerifolia) in the public rights of way on both sides of Central Avenue between Fernside Boulevard and 5th Street.”
“The City Restricts the removal or excessive pruning of coast live oak.
Title 6.52 of the Berkeley Municipal Code restricts the removal or excessive pruning of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) in Berkeley. Excessive pruning is defined as removal of more than 25% of the functioning leaf, stem, or root system of a tree in any 24 month period. This applies to single stem trees with a circumference of 18” (5.7” diameter) or multi-stem trees with a combined circumference of 26 inches (8.3” combined diameter) measured at 4 feet from grade.
To request an exception to the ordinance, fill out a Coast Live Oak Pruning or Removal Form and send to trees@berkeleyca.gov.”
See Alameda County permit info
“Protected Trees: Any of the following native trees having a single trunk or main stem 10 inches or greater in diameter or multiple trunk trees with tree trunks totaling 20 inches in diameter, measured 4-1/2 feet above natural grade:• Blue Oak (Quercus Doulgassi)
• California Bay (Umbellularia California)
• California Black Oak (Quercus Kelloggi)
• California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica)
• California Sycamore (Platanus Racemosa)
• Canyon Live Oak (Quercus Chrysol)
• Coast Live Oak (Quercus Agrfolia)
• Interior Live Oak (Quercus Wislizenii)
• Madrone (Arbutus Menziesii)
• London Plane Tree (Plantanus Acerifolia)
• Valley Oak (Quercus Lobata)
• White Alder (Alnus Rhombifolia)
Heritage Tree: Any single trunked tree, regardless of species, which has a trunk diameter of 36 inches or
greater, measured 4-1/2 feet above natura”
More info about the evaluation process and filing for a permit for protected tree removal in Danville California can be found at this link
“The Heritage Tree Ordinance was adopted by the City Council in 1999. Its purpose is to enhance the scenic beauty; increase property values; encourage quality development; prevent soil erosion; protect against flood hazards and the risk of landslides; counteract pollution in the air; and maintain the climatic balance within the City. The City’s intent is to preserve as many Heritage Trees as possible; consistent with the reasonable use and enjoyment of private property.
What is the definition of a heritage tree?
“Heritage Tree” means any of the following:
- Any oak, bay, cypress, maple, redwood, buckeye and sycamore tree having a trunk or main stem of twenty-four (24) inches or more in diameter measured at four (4) feet six (6) inches above natural grade;
- Any tree required to be preserved as part of an approved Development Plan, Zoning Permit, Use Permit, Site Development Review or Subdivision Map; or
- Any tree required to be planted as a replacement for an unlawfully removed tree.”
“The Emeryville Urban Forestry Ordinance defines what is allowable in the city of Emeryville. Under the ordinance, it is illegal for anyone to plant or remove a “street tree” in Emeryville without a permit.”
“The following trees, when located on properties to which this Ordinance applies as set forth in Section 10-15.11 above, shall be Protected Trees:
- Trees having a minimum trunk diameter of eight inches measured 54″ above the ground. When measuring a multi-trunk tree, the diameters of the largest three trunks shall be added together.
- Street trees or other required trees such as those required as a condition of approval, Use Permit, or other Zoning requirement, regardless of size.
- All memorial trees dedicated by an entity recognized by the City, and all specimen trees that define a neighborhood or community.
- Trees of the following species that have reached a minimum of four inches diameter trunk size:
- Big Leaf Maple Acer macrophyllum
- California Buckeye Aesculus californica
- Madrone Arbutus menziesii
- Western Dogwood Cornus nuttallii
- California Sycamore Platanus racemosa
- Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia
- Canyon Live Oak Quercus chrysolepis
- Blue Oak Quercus douglassii
- Oregon White Oak Quercus garryana
- California Black Oak Quercus kelloggi
- Valley Oak Quercus lobata
- Interior Live Oak Quercus wislizenii
- California Bay Umbellularia californica
- A tree or trees of any size planted as a replacement for a Protected Tree.
Trees located on a developed single-family residential lot that cannot be further subdivided are exempt unless they have been required or protected as a condition of approval.”
““Protected Tree” means a single-trunk tree, a multi-trunk tree, or a stand of multiple trees dependent upon each other for survival and meets any one or more of the following criteria:
- Any tree located on private property occupied by single family residential development that meets the following criteria:
a) Any tree with a circumference at breast height (CBH) of 60 inches or more; or
b) Any California Native tree having a circumference at breast height (CBH) of 24 inches or more. - Any tree located on private property occupied by commercial, industrial, institutional (i.e., religious, public agency, hospital, care facilities, etc.), mixed-use or multi-family residential (two or more units) development with a circumference (CBH) of 24 inches or more; or
- Any tree located on an undeveloped or underdeveloped property, regardless of zoning district, use, or development status, for which new development is proposed, with a circumference (CBH) of 18 inches or more; or
- Any tree located in an open space, riparian or habitat area with a circumference (CBH) of 18 inches or more; or Any tree approved as part of a site plan approval, or required as a condition of approval for a development project, zoning use permit, use permit or other site
development review; or - Any tree designated by the City Council as determined to be an ancestral tree and/or
- Any tree listed on the City’s Ancestral Tree Inventory; or
- Any “California Native” protected trees.
List of “California Native” Protected Trees
- Alder, White (Alnus rhombifolia)
- Bay, California (Umbellularia californica)
- Buckeye, California (Aesculus californica)
- Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)
- Maple, Big Leaf (Acer macrophyllum)
- Oak, Blue (Quercus douglasii)
- Oak, California Black (Quercus kelloggii)
- Oak, Canyon Live (Quercus chrysolepis)
- Oak, Coast Live (Quercus agrifolia)
- Oak, Interior Live (Quercus wislizenii)
- Oak, Scrub (Quercus berberidifolia)
- Oak, Valley (Quercus lobata)
- Grey Pine (Pinus sabiniana)
- Sycamore, California (Platanus racemosa)
- Walnut, California Black (Juglans hindsii californica)”
“”Protected tree” means a protected tree for the purpose of this chapter is the following:
- On any property, Quercus agrifolia (California or Coast Live Oak) measuring four inches dbh or larger, and any other tree measuring nine inches dbh or larger except Eucalyptus and Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine);
- Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine) trees shall be protected only on city property and in development-related situations where more than five Monterey Pine trees per acre are proposed to be removed. Although Monterey Pine trees are not protected in non-development-related situations, nor in development-related situations involving five or fewer trees per acre, public posting of such trees and written notice of proposed tree removal to the Office of Parks and Recreation is required per Section 12.36.070A and Section 12.36.080A.
- Except as noted above, Eucalyptus and Monterey Pine trees are not protected by this chapter.”
“What trees are protected?
The City of Pleasanton’s Tree Preservation Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 17.16) has protected Heritage Trees since 1971. The Ordinance recognizes certain trees as “Hertiage Trees” and protects them from removal, destruction or disfigurement on both public and private property.
What is a Heritage Tree?
Heritage Tree is defined in the Municipal Code as any tree, regardless of species, with a trunk circumference of 55 inches or more when measured at a point 4-1/2 feet above ground level; or any tree, regardless of species, that is 35 feet or more in height.”
“The City does not encourage the removal of healthy trees, even if they are causing uplift of sidewalks. The City prefers to take proactive steps to save trees by installing root barriers to help prevent the uplifting of sidewalks.”
Contra Costa County Tree Removal & Permit Info
Registered heritage trees, trees that provide land stability, are of a protected species or size, or provide visual screening/and or privacy are subject to tree removal permits. Each tree removal permit is subject to individual consideration and approved or denied on a case by case basis by the Planning Division. Some factors used to determine tree removal approval include hazardous situations, number of trees on a property, damage to existing structures, and reasonable development. Prior to removing any tree on your property, you are advised to contact the Planning Division at 925-655-2700 to verify your tree does not require a removal permit.
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Other important terms include the following:
• Indigenous Tree: This includes naturally occurring specimens of the following species:
- Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii)
- Valley Oak (Quercus lobata)
- Coast Live Oak (Quercus agerifolia)
- Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis)
- Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizennii)
- California Buckeye (Aesculus californica)
- California Bay (Umbellularia californica)
- Street Tree: This includes any tree planted within either the public right-of-way and/or tree planting easement, where applicable.
A “street tree” means any tree which grows within or which overhangs any public street or right-of-way.
Homeowner Responsibilities
Homeowner responsibilities consist of maintaining tree health and safety by irrigating properly, tree staking, fertilization, proper pruning practices, and removal/replacement should the tree become a hazard or die. This may or may not require hiring a professional or having a knowledgeable person prune the tree in a proper manner once every 2-3 years. Residents are required to maintain an adequate clearance over sidewalks and streets in the interim (10’ over sidewalks, 15’ over the street). Removing and replacing a street tree if it is dead or hazardous requires obtaining a no fee encroachment permit.
City Responsibilities
The City’s responsibilities consist of maintaining trees planted on City property, including medians, parkways, parks, common areas, and open space. The City also provides consultation through City staff for residents and provides suggestions for problems with maintenance and compliance. The City also provides a list of approved replacement trees when street trees are to be removed per each encroachment permit.
The City of Clayton has adopted a master list of approved trees for public properties and rights-of-way. The trees and their designated locations contained on the approved list have been selected and placed due to concerns regarding climate, maintenance requirements, and drought tolerance. The Tree List includes the following trees; however please see the List for additional details on appropriate location and species:
- Crape Myrtle
- Chinese Pistache
- Ornamental Pear – Bradford
- California Live Oak
- California Valley Oak
- Blue Oak
- London Plane Tree – Columbia
- Flowering Plum
- American Sweet Gum
- Coastal Redwood
- Deodar Cedar
- California Pepper Tree
- Chinese Evergreen Elm
- Eastern Redbud
A protected tree is:
(a) Any of the following listed native trees with a diameter of 12 inches or more as measured 54 inches above the ground (e.g., diameter at breast height) or a multi-stemmed native tree on the list below where the sum of all stem diameters is 12 inches or more as measured 54 inches above the ground: Valley oak (Quercus lobata), Blue oak (Q. douglasii), Coast live oak (Q. agrifolia), California bay (Umbellaria californica), California buckeye (Aesculus californica), and California sycamore (Platanus racemosa);
(b) Other trees (except those specifically listed as non-protected) with a diameter of 24 inches or more as measured 54 inches above the ground (e.g., diameter at breast height) or more or a multi-stemmed non-native tree where the sum of all stem diameters are 24 inches or more as measured 54 inches above the ground;
(c) Any tree which has been previously designated as a heritage tree by Planning Commission resolution;
(d) A tree required to be planted, relocated, or preserved as a condition of approval of a Tree Permit or other discretionary permit, and/or as environmental mitigation for a discretionary permit; and
(e) A tree with a trunk diameter of six inches or more or one component trunk of a multi-stemmed tree with a diameter of four inches or more as measured 54 inches above the ground that is located within the structure setback of creeks or streams as defined in CDC 18.305.040(A).
The Town recognizes that the preservation of trees sustains the natural beauty, significance, and long-term potential increase in property values and encourages quality development. The requirement to obtain a Tree Removal Permits helps to retain protected trees that do not need to be removed. A Tree Removal Permit for tree removal is required if the tree(s) are on our list of protected trees, a heritage tree, or a memorial tree.
Protected Trees: Any of the following native trees having a single trunk or main stem 10 inches or greater in diameter or multiple trunk trees with tree trunks totaling 20 inches in diameter, measured 4-1/2 feet above natural grade:
- Blue Oak (Quercus Doulgassi)
- California Bay (Umbellularia California)
- California Black Oak (Quercus Kelloggi)
- California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica)
- California Sycamore (Platanus Racemosa)
- Canyon Live Oak (Quercus Chrysol)
- Coast Live Oak (Quercus Agrfolia)
- Interior Live Oak (Quercus Wislizenii)
- Madrone (Arbutus Menziesii)
- London Plane Tree (Plantanus Acerifolia)
- Valley Oak (Quercus Lobata)
- White Alder (Alnus Rhombifolia)
Heritage Tree: Any single trunked tree, regardless of species, which has a trunk diameter of 36 inches or greater, measured 4-1/2 feet above natural grade. (Multi-trunk trees are not considered heritage trees therefore no permit would be required).
Memorial Trees: A tree planted on public property in memory of or commemoration of an individual or individuals.
A Tree Permit is required if you are removing, destroying, or excessively pruning a protected tree on public or private property. Below is a general list of what qualifies as a protected tree.
- A tree with a trunk diameter of 12″ or more, of an indigenous species (such as an oak, bay, buckeye or madrone), and on a developed property.
- A tree of any size or species, and designated to be preserved as part of an approved development application (check with a planner).
- A tree with a trunk diameter of 6″ or more, or one component trunk of a multi-trunked tree with a diameter of 4″ or more, and of a native riparian species (such as a maple, boxelder, alder, walnut, cottonwood, willow, oak, bay, buckeye, or elderberry).
- A tree of any species with a diameter of 6″ or more, and on an undeveloped property.
- A replacement tree planted as restitution for a violation of this chapter.
- A native tree of any size or species within a restricted ridgeline area.
- A tree of any size or species within a public right-of-way or a private access easement.
- A tree of any size or species within a commercial zoning district.
A protected tree is any one of the following:
- On all properties within the City:
a. All oak trees and indigenous trees measuring 20 inches or larger in circumference (approximately 6.5 inches in diameter), measured 4 ½ feet from ground level. Oak trees include but are not limited to: Quercus agrifolia (California or Coast Live Oak), Quercus douglasi (Blue Oak), Quercus kelloggii (California Black Oak) or Quercus lobata (Valley Oak). Indigenous trees include but are not limited to: Sequoia Sempervirens (Coast Redwood), Alnus Rhombifolia (White Alder), Alnus Oregona (Red Alder), Acer Macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple), Aesculus Californica (California Buckeye), Arbutus Menziesii (Madrone), Umbellularia Californica (California Bay or Laurel), Juglans Hindsii (California Black Walnut), Platanus Racemosa (California Sycamore), or Sambucus Calliarpa (Coast Red Elderberry).
b.Any tree shown to be preserved on an approved tentative map or development plan or required to be retained as a condition of approval
c. Any tree required to be planted as a replacement for an unlawfully removed tree. - On any of the properties specified in Subsection 3 below:
a. Any tree measuring 20 inches or larger in circumference (approximately 6.5 inches diameter), measured 4 ½ feet from ground level including the oak trees listed above);
b. Any multi-stemmed tree with the sum of the circumferences measuring 40 inches or larger, measured 4 ½ feet from ground level;
c. and any significant grouping of trees, including groves of four or more trees.
A permit is required for the removal of a native tree, orchard tree or a tree of historical significance. To determine if a tree is protected, please see the Moraga Native Tree list (PDF), also found on the Planning Departments Applications and Important Documents page or contact the Planning Department at 925-888-7040
Heritage Tree Preservation
Certain large trees (measuring 20” or larger in circumference) on both private and public property may be classified as “protected trees” in the city of Oakley.
The majority of the trees having protection are in the Quercus (Oak) family. These include California or Coast Live Oak, Canyon Live Oak, Blue Oak, California Black Oak, Valley Oak, and Interior Live Oak.
For more information on protected trees, please contact the Planning Department at (925) 625-7000.
A protected tree is a live tree from one of the following four categories. When required, diameters are measured at 4.5 feet above natural grade.
- A native oak tree located on a developed parcel with a trunk diameter equal to or greater than 12 inches.
- Any tree located on a vacant or a Downtown Commercial/Downtown Office district parcel with a trunk diameter equal to or greater than 6 inches (unless on the Disallowed Plant List).
- Any tree planted as restitution for a violation to the tree ordinance.
- A single trunk or cross-section of a multi-trunk native riparian tree with a total trunk diameter equal or greater than 4 inches.
1. Select trees with a single perennial stem of twelve (12) inches or larger in circumference measured four (4) and a half feet above the natural grade. The list of select trees includes:
- Coast Live Oak
- Madrone
- Buckeye
- Black Walnut
- Redwood
- Big Leafed Maple
- Redbud
- California Bay
- Toyon
2. Any other tree with a single perennial stem greater than fifty-six (56) inches or larger in circumference measured four and a half (4 1/2) feet above the natural grade.
- Trees species specifically excluded from protection regardless of size or health include any other species of nut or fruit trees, palm trees or eucalyptus trees.
- Also any tree species not listed above, that is smaller than fifty-six (56) inches in circumference measured four and a half feet (4 1/2) above the natural grade is excluded from protection.
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Permit required. No person, firm, corporation, private or public utility or
governmental entity shall remove, relocate, excessively trim, damage or demolish a protected tree or heritage tree prior to obtaining a tree removal permit from the zoning administrator or approval from another applicable city decision-making body pursuant to subsections (C), (I) or (J) below. City initiated projects shall also be subject to all of the provisions of this chapter unless specifically exempted by the city council.
Protected trees. The term protected tree means any of the following:
- Any native oak tree with a trunk diameter measurement of 12 inches or
larger. - Any indigenous tree with a trunk diameter measurement of 12 inches or larger. Indigenous trees include but are not limited to: Alnus Oregona (Red Alder), Acer Macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple), Aesculus Californica (California Buckeye), Arbutus Menziesii (Madrone), Umbellularia Californica (California Bay or Laurel), Juglans Hindsii (California Black Walnut), Platanus Racemosa (California Sycamore), Sambucus Mexicana (Elderberry).
Note: The California Native Plant Society list of indigenous/native trees
for the Bay Area can also be referenced to determine whether a tree is
considered native or indigenous to the region.
- A non-native tree (not including Eucalyptus) with a trunk diameter
measurement of 24 inches or larger. Non-native trees include species such as Sequoia Sempervirens (Coastal Redwood), Pinus Canariensis (Canary Island Pine), Pinus Halepensis (Aleppo Pine), Pinus Pinea (Italian Stone Pine), Pinus Radiata (Monterey Pine), Ulmus Americana (American Elm), Ulmus Parvifolia (Chinese Elm), Ulmus Pumila (Siberian Elm), Liquidambar Styraciflua (American Sweet Gum), Cedrus Deodara (Deodar Cedar), Cedrus Atlantica (Atlas Cedar), Fraxinus Uhdei (Shamel Ash), Fraxinus American (White Ash), Fraxinus Augustifolia (Raywood Ash), Cupressus (Cypress species), Morus Alba (Fruit/Fruitless Mulberry), Chinese Pistache, Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust), Pyrus Calleryana (Bradford Pear), Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor). - Any tree shown to be preserved on an approved tentative map,
development or site plan or required to be retained as a condition of
approval or environmental mitigation measure. - Any tree required to be planted as a replacement for an unlawfully
removed tree. - Any tree designated as a “heritage tree” pursuant to section 18.50.110 E.
Note: See subsection (G) for definition of trunk diameter measurement.
For trees with more than one trunk, the combined diameter of all trunks
measured at 24-inches above the ground will determine the diameter of
that individual tree.
A protected tree is any of the following:
- A native oak tree with a diameter of six or more inches as measured 54 inches above the ground.
- A heritage, or landmark tree or grove identified by City Council Resolution.
- Significant groves or stands of trees identified by City Council Resolution.
- A tree required to be planted, relocated, or preserved that is specifically identified as a condition of approval for a Tree Removal Permit or other discretionary permit, and/or as environmental mitigation for a discretionary permit.
- A tree within 100 feet of a perennial stream, or within 50 feet of a seasonal stream that is six inches or more in diameter as measured at 54 inches above the ground.
- A mature tree other than those listed in Subsections A.1 through A.4, that is eight inches or more in diameter as measured at 54 inches above the ground that is not otherwise exempt from the requirement of this Chapter.
If you are removing any tree (dead or alive) within the City limits you will need to get a tree removal permit. You can apply to remove up to 4 trees per permit. Learn more about tree care.
When a tree removal permit is not needed
- Trees less than 9 inches in diameter when measured 4.5 feet above the ground are exempt and can be removed without a permit
- Because a tree drops leaves or needles is not considered a valid reason for removal
San Mateo County Tree Removal & Permit Info
The removal of trees in the Town of Atherton is regulated by the City Council. Chapter 8.10 of the Atherton Municipal Code requires a Heritage Tree Removal Permit prior to the removal of certain trees located on private property. Any tree meeting either of the following may be removed without a permit:
- The tree, located anywhere on the lot, smaller than 48″ in circumference (15” diameter), when measured 48″ above grade, or;
- The tree, of any size, other than native oak (Quercus) species, located in the ‘Building or Dwelling Area’. This is the area within a lot in which the dwelling may be constructed.
- The following tree species are not classified as heritage trees regardless of size: Acacia baileyana; Acacia decurrens; Acacia melanoxylon; Ailanthus altissima. All other trees cannot be removed unless a permit has been issued to the property owner or tree professional.
Dead or Dangerous Trees: Removal permits for dead or dangerous trees may be issued by the Town Arborist or the Building Official. To receive this type of permit you must complete the Application for Removal of a Dead or Dangerous Tree. You may be required to submit a written report addressing the condition of the tree or trees from either:
- A Registered Professional Forester licensed by the State of California.
- An International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist or,
- A member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists
All Other Trees: A Heritage Tree Removal Permit must be approved by the Planning Commission prior to the removal of any tree not meeting 1, 2 or 3 above, and, not determined to be dead or dangerous. Any native oak species (Quercus) 48″ or more in· circumference, located in the Allowable Buildable Area must go before the Planning Commission for approval.
- Any tree other than oaks has a trunk with a circumference of 47.1 inches (diameter of 15 inches) or more, measured at 54 inches above natural grade
- Any oak tree native to California has a trunk with a circumference of 31.4 inches (diameter of 10 inches) or more measured at 54 inches above natural grade
- A tree or group of trees specifically designated by the City Council for protection because of its historical significance, special character or community benefit
Any tree with more than one trunk that falls under (1) and (2) shall be measured at the diameter below the main union of all multi-trunk trees. If the tree has more than one trunk and the union is below grade, each stem shall be measured as a standalone tree. Multi-trunk trees under 12 feet in height shall not be considered a heritage tree.
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Santa Clara County Tree Removal & Permit Info
“Any tree which, because of its history, girth, height, species, or other unique quality, has been recommended by the Historical Heritage Commission (HHC) and found by the Board of Supervisors to have a special significance to the community shall be designated a heritage tree. Such trees shall be listed individually on the heritage resource inventory, adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. Such resolution may be amended as necessary to add or delete trees from the inventory.
(a) Any person, including the property owner, as well as the Board of Supervisors and the HHC, may nominate a tree for inclusion on the heritage resource inventory.
(b) When a tree has been nominated for addition to the heritage resource inventory, a public hearing shall be held before the HHC. Notice of the hearing shall be sent to the owner of the property on which the tree is located at least ten days prior to the date of such hearing.
(c) The HHC shall conduct a hearing on the issue of placement of a tree on the heritage resource inventory. Any person may present evidence on the issue. The HHC shall make findings supporting its recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to include a tree or trees on the heritage resource inventory.
(d) The Board of Supervisors shall conduct a hearing on the recommendation of the HHC to place a tree or trees on the heritage resource inventory. Notice of hearing shall be sent to the owner of the parcel upon which the tree is located. Evidence may be presented by any person. Notice of action on the recommendation shall be given to the owner of the parcel on which the tree is located.”
“The following list of trees are protected and require City approval before removal and/or significant pruning can occur:
- Any tree that is 12-inches or greater in diameter when measured at 48-inches above the ground.
- Any tree of a native species that is 10-inches or greater in diameter when measured at 48-inches above the ground.
- Any tree designated by the Historical Commission as a Heritage Tree or any tree under official consideration by the Historical Commission for a Heritage Tree designation.
- Any tree which was required to be either saved or planted in conjunction with a development review approval.
- Any tree located within the public right-of-way”
Learn more or view list of native species
“Mountain View’s City Code (Chapter 32, Article II) defines a “Heritage Tree” as a tree with any of the following characteristics:
- A tree trunk with a circumference of forty-eight inches (48″) or more, measured at fifty-four inches (54″) above natural grade. Multi-trunk trees are measured just below the first major trunk fork.
- Any of the following three species of trees with a circumference of twelve inches (12”) or more, measured at fifty-four inches (54”) above natural grade.
- Quercus (oak)
- Sequoia (redwood)
- Cedrus (cedar)
- A grove(s) of trees designated as “heritage” by the City Council.”
” PAMC 8.10.020 describes the specific categories of Protected Trees. These categories are:
Locally Native Protected Species Trees
- Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) 11.5″ or more DBH
- California Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) 11.5″ or more DBH
- Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) 11.5″ or more DBH
- Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) 11.5″ or more DBH
- California Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii) 11.5″ or more DBH
- Valley Oak (Quercus lobata) 11.5″ or more DBH
- Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) 18″ or more DBH
Protected Mature Trees
- Any mature tree measuring 15″ or more DBH
- Invasive species trees and high water use trees are excluded. See our list of excluded trees included on this page.
Designated Trees
- Any tree designated for protection during review and approval of a development project.
Public Trees / Street Trees
- “Public trees” include any tree, in any street, park, or public place in the city of Palo Alto. “Street Tree” refers to the Public Trees located in the city road right of way.
Carbon Sequestration or Environmental Mitigation Trees
- Any tree designated for carbon sequestration and storage and/or environmental mitigation purposes.
Heritage Trees
- Any heritage tree designated by the City Council. See the Heritage Tree List.
Replacement Mitigation Trees
- Any replacement mitigation tree or other tree designated to be planted due to the conditions listed in the ordinance.”