How to apply for a tree removal permit in Burbank, California

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

Expected processing time: 4-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 6" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Protected Tree: all street trees and trees on public property regardless of size; native trees (oaks, California sycamore, California bay) 6+ inches DBH on private property; Landmark and Heritage trees designated by City Council. Heritage / landmark designation: Landmark Trees and Heritage Trees designated by City Council based on exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, aesthetic significance, or community value.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Burbank: Property owner, adjacent property owner (for parkway trees), or authorized agent with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH, health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Parks and Recreation Department. Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.burbankca.gov/web/parks-recreation/trees.

    View the full Burbank ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Landmark/Heritage trees. Replacement species from approved Parks and Recreation list; 15-gallon minimum container size. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Parks and Recreation Department

(818) 238-5300

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Burbank permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment