How to apply for a tree removal permit in San Diego, California

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

Expected processing time: 6-12 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 8" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Public trees with 8+ inch caliper at 4 feet. Also Landmark, Heritage, Parkway Resource, Preservation Grove, and Street Trees. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage/Landmark Trees designated for historical, ecological, or community significance.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in San Diego: Property owner, adjacent property owner (for parkway trees), or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH/caliper (8+ inch threshold for public trees), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan, ISA Certified Arborist findings; Landmark/Heritage tree removal additionally requires Urban Forestry Advisory Board review materials. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Development Services - Urban Forestry. Typical processing time: 6-12 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://docs.sandiego.gov/councilpolicies/cpd_900-19.pdf.

    View the full San Diego ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 100% of assessed tree value. Applicant pays 100% assessed value. 300% assessed value fine for unauthorized removal.

Where to file

Development Services - Urban Forestry

(619) 236-5500

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your San Diego permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment