Cupertino Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Santa Clara County, California

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

10.0" DBH minimum for protection

Protected Tree Ordinance regulates 12 specific species (6 native oaks plus Big Leaf Maple, Deodar Cedar, Monterey Pine, California Buckeye, Western Sycamore, Blue Atlas Cedar) at 10+ inches DBH. Species-based rather than general size-based protection. Heritage Trees designated regardless of size.

Protected Species

Coast Live Oak Valley Oak Blue Oak Black Oak Canyon Live Oak Interior Live Oak Big Leaf Maple Deodar Cedar Monterey Pine California Buckeye Western Sycamore Blue Atlas Cedar

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage Trees designated by Council, Planning Commission, or Director based on exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value.

Permit Requirements

Tree Removal Permit required for any of the 12 protected species at or above the size threshold, and for any Heritage Tree regardless of size. Arborist report required for applications.

Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report

Required Report Sections

Species identification, DBH, health and structural assessment, justification for removal, site plan, photo documentation, replacement plan

Replacement Requirements

1:1 to 3:1 depending on tree size and significance; inch-for-inch mitigation for Heritage Trees

Replacement from approved species list, 15-gallon or 24-inch box minimum. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 14.18 (Protected Trees)

View full ordinance

Contact

Community Development Department

(408) 777-3308

Nearby Cities in Santa Clara County

Campbell Los Gatos Mountain View Palo Alto

Other California cities

Beverly Hills Concord Dublin Menlo Park Palo Alto Redwood City Roseville San Mateo
See all California cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Cupertino before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Cupertino →

See California replacement obligations compared: How Cupertino's replacement ratio ranks in California →

See California heritage criteria compared: How Cupertino's heritage designation ranks in California →

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