How to apply for a tree removal permit in Palo Alto, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Palo Alto'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 11.5" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Species-specific DBH: 11.5 inches for natives (oaks, maples, cedars), 18 inches for Coast Redwoods, 15 inches for all others. All street trees protected. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage trees designated by City Council for exceptional significance.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Palo Alto: Property owner with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree inventory, species and DBH, health assessment, impact analysis, replacement plan per Technical Manual, site plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Public Works - Urban Forestry Section. Permit fee: $250.00. Typical processing time: 4-8 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-65934.

    View the full Palo Alto ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Per Table 3-1 in Technical Manual Section 3.02. All trees 4+ inches DBH subject to replacement. In-lieu fees per 24-inch box tree.

Where to file

Public Works - Urban Forestry Section

(650) 496-5953

urbanforestry@cityofpaloalto.org

Other California permit walkthroughs

See California permit fees compared — Palo Alto's $250.00 fee in context.

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Palo Alto permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment