How to apply for a tree removal permit in Los Gatos, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Los Gatos'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 4" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Protected Tree: native trees (oaks, redwoods, California Sycamore, California Buckeye, Big Leaf Maple) 4+ inches DBH; all other species 8+ inches DBH. All trees on hillside parcels and all street trees protected regardless of size. Heritage Trees designated by Council. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees designated by Town Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; trees on hillside parcels receive heritage-level protection regardless of size.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Los Gatos: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH, canopy dripline, health and structural assessment, justification for removal, site plan, 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://library.municode.com/ca/los_gatos/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH29ZORE_ARTIINGE_DIV2TRPR_S29.10.0985DECOPE.

    View the full Los Gatos ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 2:1 inch-for-inch for native trees; 1:1 for non-native protected trees; higher ratios for Heritage Trees. Replacement trees 24-inch box minimum. In-lieu fees to the Tree Replacement Fund ($495 per inch DBH for on-site replacement infeasibility).

Where to file

Community Development Department

(408) 399-5770

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Los Gatos permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment