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

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

Expected processing time: 4-8 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 8" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Known as the "City of Trees and PhDs." Protected Tree: all street trees and trees on public property regardless of size; native trees (oaks, sycamores) 8+ inches DBH on private property. Heritage Trees designated by City Council. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees designated by City Council based on recommendations of the Community and Human Services Commission for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Claremont: 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 Community Development Department. Typical processing time: 4-8 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.ci.claremont.ca.us/living/community-services/urban-forestry.

    View the full Claremont ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Trees and protected natives. Replacement from approved Master Street Tree List; 15-gallon or 24-inch box minimum. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Community Development Department

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Claremont permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment