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

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

Expected processing time: 3-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Indigenous (protected) trees. No pruning cut larger than 2 inches without permit. Topping prohibited. Over 25% foliage pruning prohibited without permit. Heritage / landmark designation: Indigenous Trees designated under Glendale Municipal Code Chapter 12.44 — California Live Oak, Valley Oak, California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, California Bay, Toyon, and California Juniper receive automatic heritage-level protection regardless of size, with additional landmark designation available by City Council action for exceptional age, historical significance, or community value.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

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

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification (with indigenous-species verification), DBH, health and structural assessment, justification for removal or for pruning cuts larger than 2 inches, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved indigenous species list (California Live Oak, Valley Oak, California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, California Bay). Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist with indigenous-species expertise (California Live Oak, Valley Oak, California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, California Bay) per GMC Chapter 12.44.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Public Works Department. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://ecode360.com/43349252.

    View the full Glendale ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for indigenous tree removal under GMC 12.44; replacement species drawn from the approved Glendale native species list. 24-inch box minimum replacement indigenous trees (California Live Oak, Valley Oak, California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, California Bay) from the approved native species list; in-lieu fees to the Indigenous Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Public Works Department

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Glendale permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment