Mountain View Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide
Santa Clara County, California
Protected Tree Definition
Heritage trees: oaks/redwoods/cedars at 12 inches circumference (~4 inches dia), all others at 48 inches circumference (~15 inches dia). Measured at 54 inches above grade.
Protected Species
Heritage / Landmark Trees
Heritage Trees defined automatically by size under Mountain View Municipal Code Chapter 32: any oak, redwood, or cedar with 12-inch or greater circumference (~4 inches diameter), or any other species with 48-inch or greater circumference (~15 inches diameter), measured 54 inches above grade. Heritage status attaches on size threshold without separate Council designation.
Required Report Sections
Species identification (with oak/redwood/cedar verification at the lower threshold), DBH/circumference (measured 54 inches above grade), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved Mountain View species list emphasizing oak, redwood, and cedar
Replacement Requirements
1:1 minimum for heritage tree removal under MVMC Chapter 32; 24-inch box replacement from the approved species list
24-inch box minimum replacement trees from the approved Mountain View species list emphasizing oak, redwood, and cedar species to match removed heritage trees; in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.
Fees & Fines
Required Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist; oak/redwood/cedar verification at the 12-inch circumference Heritage threshold measured 54 inches above grade per MVMC Chapter 32
Municipal Code
Mountain View Municipal Code Chapter 32
View full ordinanceContact
Community Development Department
(650) 903-6306
Nearby Cities in Santa Clara County
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Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Mountain View before submitting permits or reports.
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