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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from San Luis Obispo'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 10" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Native trees 10+ inches DBH, non-native 20+ inches DBH, palms 12+ inches DBH. Heritage Oaks: 48+ inches DBH require Minor Use Permit. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Oaks: any standalone oak 48+ inches DBH.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in San Luis Obispo: Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH (native 10+, non-native 20+, palms 12+ at 4.5 feet), health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved native and adapted species list; Heritage Oaks (48+ DBH) additionally require Minor Use Permit findings and arborist report. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; Heritage Oak applications (48+ DBH) require an arborist report supporting Minor Use Permit findings under SLOMC Chapter 12.24.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Natural Resources - Urban Forestry. Reference the full ordinance at https://sanluisobispo.municipal.codes/Code/12.24.

    View the full San Luis Obispo ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under SLOMC 12.24; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Oaks (48+ inch DBH) at Minor Use Permit discretion. 15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved native and adapted species list; Heritage Oak replacements emphasize Coast Live Oak and Valley Oak to maintain native canopy. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Natural Resources - Urban Forestry

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your San Luis Obispo permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment