Los Gatos Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Santa Clara County, California

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

4.0" DBH minimum for protection

Protected Tree: native trees (oaks, redwoods, California Sycamore, California Buckeye, Big Leaf Maple) 4+ inches DBH; all other species 8+ inches DBH. All trees on hillside parcels and all street trees protected regardless of size. Heritage Trees designated by Council.

Protected Species

Coast Live Oak Valley Oak California Black Oak Coast Redwood California Sycamore California Buckeye Big Leaf Maple

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage Trees designated by Town Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; trees on hillside parcels receive heritage-level protection regardless of size.

Permit Requirements

Tree Removal Permit required for any protected tree. Applications reviewed by Town Arborist; denial appealable to the Hearing Officer or Planning Commission.

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

Required Report Sections

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

Replacement Requirements

2:1 inch-for-inch for native trees; 1:1 for non-native protected trees; higher ratios for Heritage Trees

Replacement trees 24-inch box minimum. In-lieu fees to the Tree Replacement Fund ($495 per inch DBH for on-site replacement infeasibility).

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Los Gatos Town Code Chapter 29 Division 2 (Tree Protection)

View full ordinance

Contact

Community Development Department

(408) 399-5770

Nearby Cities in Santa Clara County

Campbell Cupertino Mountain View Palo Alto

Other California cities

Elk Grove Folsom Los Angeles Pasadena Sacramento San Diego San Luis Obispo Saratoga
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 Los Gatos before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Los Gatos →

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

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

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