How to apply for a tree removal permit in Menlo Park, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Menlo Park'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

    Trees at or above 15.3" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Heritage Tree: any tree with 47.75-inch circumference (~15.3 inches diameter) at 54 inches above natural grade, OR any oak 31.5-inch circumference (~10 inches diameter), OR trees of any size designated by Council. Ordinance in effect since 1979. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage trees designated for health, size, species rarity, and community significance per Municipal Code Chapter 13.24.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Menlo Park: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

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

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Public Works - Maintenance Division. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.menlopark.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Maintenance-Division/Trees/Heritage-tree-definition-and-ordinance.

    View the full Menlo Park ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 2:1 minimum for heritage tree removal (by inch or by count per Arborist determination). 15-gallon minimum replacement trees from approved species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Public Works - Maintenance Division

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Menlo Park permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment