How to apply for a tree removal permit in Santa Clara, California

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

Expected processing time: 4-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 12" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Heritage Tree: any tree with 38-inch circumference (~12 inches diameter) or greater measured at 4.5 feet above grade, OR any tree designated by Council. All street trees and trees on public property are protected regardless of size. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees: any tree meeting the 38-inch circumference threshold, or designated by Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

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

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree inventory with species, DBH, canopy dripline, condition/health assessment, retention/removal status, replacement plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Planning Division. Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://library.municode.com/ca/santa_clara/codes/code_of_ordinances.

    View the full Santa Clara ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum; 2:1 inch-for-inch for heritage-size specimens. 15-gallon or 24-inch box replacement from approved species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Planning Division

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Santa Clara permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment