How to apply for a tree removal permit in Redwood City, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Redwood City'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 12" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. All trees on private property exceeding 38 inches circumference (12 inches dia) measured between 6 and 36 inches above ground. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees designated by City Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; any tree with 38-inch or greater circumference (12 inches diameter) measured between 6 and 36 inches above ground automatically subject to permit review under the Tree Preservation Ordinance.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Redwood City: Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH/circumference (measured between 6 and 36 inches above ground), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved native and adapted species list. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; trunk circumference measured between 6 and 36 inches above ground per the Tree Preservation Ordinance protocol.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Community Development Department. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.redwoodcity.org/departments/community-development-department/planning-housing/planning-services/tree-preservation-maintenance/tree-permits.

    View the full Redwood City ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under the Tree Preservation Ordinance; in-lieu fees accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. 15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved native and adapted species list; in-lieu deposits to the Tree Preservation Fund set per the city's adopted fee schedule by removed-tree diameter.

Where to file

Community Development Department

(650) 780-7234

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Redwood City permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment