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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Santa Monica'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

    Public trees only. No jurisdiction over private property trees. DSH measured at 4 feet 6 inches. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage and Specimen Trees designated by the City Council under Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 7.40 for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; designation applies only to trees on public property within the City's jurisdiction.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Santa Monica: Property owner fronting the parkway, or authorized agent with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH/DSH (measured at 4 feet 6 inches), health and structural assessment, justification for removal or trimming, photo documentation, replacement plan from approved street tree list (palms replaced in-kind at maturing height match where feasible). Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; replacement plans drawn from the approved street tree list under Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 7.40 (palms matched in-kind at maturing height where feasible).

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Public Works - Urban Forest. Reference the full ordinance at https://ecode360.com/42740834.

    View the full Santa Monica ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: In-kind replacement for palms; replanting required. Palm species replaced in-kind at maturing height match where feasible; non-palm protected public trees replaced from the approved street tree list at 15-gallon minimum container size; in-lieu fees to the Urban Forest Renewal Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Public Works - Urban Forest

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Santa Monica permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment