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

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

Expected processing time: 2-4 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 9" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Coast Live Oaks 4+ inches DBH. Other species (except eucalyptus/Monterey pine) 9+ inches DBH. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees designated by Planning Commission.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

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

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH (Coast Live Oak 4+ or other species 9+ at 4.5 feet), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan; protected-tree applications require ISA Certified Arborist findings. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist report may be required.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Tree Services Division. Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://library.municode.com/ca/oakland/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT12STSIPUPL_CH12.36PRTR.

    View the full Oakland ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for protected coast live oak removal; replacement species and ratio for other protected trees set as a permit condition by the city arborist. Coast live oak replacements drawn from the approved native species list at 15-gallon to 24-inch box minimum sizing as set by city arborist condition; in-lieu fees to the Tree Replacement Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Tree Services Division

(510) 615-5934

treeremovalpermits@oaklandca.gov

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Oakland permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment