How to apply for a tree removal permit in Beverly Hills, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Beverly Hills's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 48" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. All trees with DBH greater than 48 inches. Additionally 16 native species at lower thresholds. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees defined under Beverly Hills Municipal Code Article 29: any tree with DBH greater than 48 inches automatically qualifies, plus 16 native species (California Juniper, Blue Oak, California Bay, Bigleaf Maple, and 12 additional natives) protected at lower thresholds. Additional landmark designation available by City Council action for exceptional historical or community significance.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Beverly Hills: Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification (with native-species verification for the 16 protected natives at the lower threshold), DBH (48+ inch heritage threshold or lower native-species threshold), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan emphasizing the 16 protected native species (California Juniper, Blue Oak, California Bay, Bigleaf Maple, and 12 additional natives). Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist with native-species expertise covering the 16 protected natives (California Juniper, Blue Oak, California Bay, Bigleaf Maple, and 12 additional) under BHMC Article 29.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Community Development Department. Reference the full ordinance at https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/beverlyhillsca/latest/beverlyhills_ca/0-0-0-17899.

    View the full Beverly Hills ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under BHMC Article 29; higher ratios for landmark and heritage native designations at Council discretion. 24-inch box minimum replacement trees from the approved species list emphasizing the 16 protected native species (California Juniper, Blue Oak, California Bay, Bigleaf Maple, and 12 additional natives); in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Community Development Department

Other California permit walkthroughs

See California replacement obligations compared — how Beverly Hills's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See California heritage criteria compared — how Beverly Hills's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Beverly Hills permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Beverly Hills's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment