San Luis Obispo Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

San Luis Obispo County, California

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

10.0" DBH minimum for protection

Native trees 10+ inches DBH, non-native 20+ inches DBH, palms 12+ inches DBH. Heritage Oaks: 48+ inches DBH require Minor Use Permit.

Protected Species

Native oaks (10 inch) Heritage Oaks (48 inch) non-native (20 inch)

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage Oaks: any standalone oak 48+ inches DBH.

Required Report Sections

Species identification, DBH (native 10+, non-native 20+, palms 12+ at 4.5 feet), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved native and adapted species list; Heritage Oaks (48+ DBH) additionally require Minor Use Permit findings and arborist report

Replacement Requirements

1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under SLOMC 12.24; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Oaks (48+ inch DBH) at Minor Use Permit discretion

15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved native and adapted species list; Heritage Oak replacements emphasize Coast Live Oak and Valley Oak to maintain native canopy. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist; Heritage Oak applications (48+ DBH) require an arborist report supporting Minor Use Permit findings under SLOMC Chapter 12.24

Municipal Code

San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Chapter 12.24

View full ordinance

Contact

Natural Resources - Urban Forestry

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

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See California replacement obligations compared: How San Luis Obispo's replacement ratio ranks in California →

See California heritage criteria compared: How San Luis Obispo's heritage designation ranks in California →

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