San Jose Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide
Santa Clara County, California
Protected Tree Definition
Ordinance-size: single trunk 38+ inches circumference (~12.1 inches diameter) at 4.5 feet. Multi-trunk combined 38+ inches. On multifamily/commercial lots, ANY tree requires permit.
Heritage / Landmark Trees
Heritage trees designated by City Council for size, age, species rarity, or historical significance.
Permit Requirements
Permit required for ordinance-size trees on single-family/duplex lots (even if dead). Any tree on multifamily/commercial/industrial.
Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent
Required Report Sections
Tree inventory with species, DBH/circumference (single-trunk 38+ inch or multi-trunk 38+ inch combined), condition/health assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan; heritage tree applications additionally require ISA Certified Arborist findings
Replacement Requirements
1:1 (one 15-gallon tree per permitted tree removed)
One 15-gallon replacement tree per removal on residential projects.
Fees & Fines
- Permit fee
- $310.00
- Max fine/tree
- $10,000.00
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Required Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist for heritage trees
Municipal Code
San Jose Municipal Code Title 13, Chapter 13.32
View full ordinanceContact
Department of Transportation - Landscaping Services
(408) 794-1901
Nearby Cities in Santa Clara County
Other California cities
Compare with nearby cities
Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with San Jose before submitting permits or reports.
Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in San Jose →
See California permit fees compared: How San Jose's $310.00 fee ranks in California →
See California replacement obligations compared: How San Jose's replacement ratio ranks in California →
See California heritage criteria compared: How San Jose's heritage designation ranks in California →
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