How to apply for a tree removal permit in Sunnyvale, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Sunnyvale'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. Protected Tree: any tree with 38-inch circumference (~12 inches diameter) or greater at 4.5 feet; all oaks, redwoods, cedars, native bay, and native buckeye at any size; all street trees and trees on public property regardless of size. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Trees designated by Council for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value; automatic designation for specific native species at any size.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Sunnyvale: 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, health/condition, impact analysis, tree protection measures, replacement plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Department of Public Works. Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://qcode.us/codes/sunnyvale/view.php?topic=19-6-19_94-19_94_110.

    View the full Sunnyvale ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Trees and specimen natives. 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

Department of Public Works

Other California permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Sunnyvale permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment