How to apply for a tree removal permit in Mountain View, California

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

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 4" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Heritage trees: oaks/redwoods/cedars at 12 inches circumference (~4 inches dia), all others at 48 inches circumference (~15 inches dia). Measured at 54 inches above grade. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees defined automatically by size under Mountain View Municipal Code Chapter 32: any oak, redwood, or cedar with 12-inch or greater circumference (~4 inches diameter), or any other species with 48-inch or greater circumference (~15 inches diameter), measured 54 inches above grade. Heritage status attaches on size threshold without separate Council designation.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

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

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification (with oak/redwood/cedar verification at the lower threshold), DBH/circumference (measured 54 inches above grade), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved Mountain View species list emphasizing oak, redwood, and cedar. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; oak/redwood/cedar verification at the 12-inch circumference Heritage threshold measured 54 inches above grade per MVMC Chapter 32.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Community Development Department. Reference the full ordinance at https://library.municode.com/ca/mountain_view/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIITHCO_CH32TRSHPL.

    View the full Mountain View ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for heritage tree removal under MVMC Chapter 32; 24-inch box replacement from the approved species list. 24-inch box minimum replacement trees from the approved Mountain View species list emphasizing oak, redwood, and cedar species to match removed heritage trees; in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Community Development Department

(650) 903-6306

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Mountain View permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment