How to Apply for a Tree Removal Permit: Step-by-Step
Updated 2025 · General process — specific steps vary by city
The typical process: 1) measure your tree and confirm a permit is required, 2) gather documentation (photos, site sketch, species ID, diameter measurement), 3) submit the application online or in person, 4) pay the fee, 5) wait for review (5–21 days typically), 6) receive written authorization before any work begins.
Before You Apply: What to Confirm First
- Confirm a permit is actually required — use our Permit Checker, call your city's Development Services, or search your city's tree ordinance online. Don't assume — verify.
- Measure the trunk diameter (DBH) — wrap a flexible tape measure around the trunk at exactly 4.5 feet above natural grade. Divide the circumference by 3.14159 to get diameter. Or use a diameter tape directly. Record the measurement.
- Identify the species — take a photo of the bark, leaves, and overall form. Use a plant ID app (iNaturalist, PictureThis) or ask a local nursery. Species determines which protection tier applies.
- Note the reason for removal — cities ask why you're removing the tree. Dead, diseased, hazard, construction interference, and elective removal each follow slightly different tracks.
Measure Your Tree Accurately Before You Apply
Every tree removal permit application requires the trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) — measured at exactly 4.5 feet above ground. Getting this wrong can mean applying in the wrong permit tier or missing the threshold entirely. The Forestry Suppliers Fabric Diameter Tape wraps around the trunk and reads the diameter directly — no math, no dividing by π. It’s the same tool ISA-certified arborists use in the field. 4.7 stars, made in Germany, and purpose-built for exactly this measurement.
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What to Gather Before Submitting
- Property address and parcel number — on your property tax bill or county assessor's website
- Site sketch or plot plan — a hand-drawn sketch showing your property outline, structure locations, and the tree's location is usually sufficient for residential applications. It does not need to be to scale.
- Photographs — multiple angles of the full tree, close-up of trunk at base, bark detail, and any damage or disease signs. Time-stamp the photos.
- DBH measurement — record the measured diameter at 4.5 feet above ground
- Species — common name and scientific name if known
- Reason for removal — written explanation (2–3 sentences is usually sufficient)
- ISA arborist report — required in many cities for heritage trees (19"+ DBH) and recommended for all large trees. Costs $250–$600 from a certified arborist.
How to Submit
Online (Preferred)
Most mid-to-large cities now have online permit portals. Common systems: Accela Citizen Access, eTRAKiT, Permit.com, and city-branded portals. Create an account, select "Tree Removal Permit" or "Landscape Permit," attach your documentation, and pay the fee. Online submissions are typically processed faster and allow you to check status in real time.
In Person
Most cities also accept in-person applications at Development Services or the Building and Safety Department. Bring printed copies of all documentation. In-person submission is useful for complex projects where talking directly with a plan reviewer can resolve questions before the formal review begins.
What Happens After You Submit
- Initial completeness review — the city checks that your application has all required attachments. If anything is missing, they'll contact you — this pauses your review clock.
- Arborist review — the city's reviewing arborist evaluates your application. For standard trees, this is typically a desk review. For heritage trees or complex situations, a site visit may be scheduled.
- Site inspection (if required) — you or an authorized representative must be available for the inspection. Inspectors typically look at the tree's condition, the CRZ (Critical Root Zone), and whether the stated reason for removal is accurate.
- Approval or denial issued in writing — you'll receive an email or letter with the determination. Approvals include conditions (mitigation fees, replacement requirements) and a permit validity period.
- Pay mitigation fees and keep permit on-site — pay any required mitigation fees before work begins. Keep a copy of the written permit on-site throughout removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cities, yes — licensed contractors can submit applications as authorized agents with a signed owner authorization letter. However, the permit obligation and legal liability always remain with the property owner. Confirm your city's rules, and always review the application before it's submitted on your behalf.
For most residential tree removal applications, a surveyor is not required. A clear hand-drawn or printed aerial sketch (Google Maps screenshot works) showing the property boundary, structures, and tree location is typically sufficient. A professional survey may be required for disputes involving property line trees or for permits associated with large development projects.
Most cities allow you to list multiple trees on a single permit application and pay a per-tree fee for each. This is the most efficient approach. Describe each tree separately (species, DBH, location on site plan, reason for removal) on the same application form. Mitigation requirements are calculated per tree.
Related: Permit Timelines · Permit Costs · Permit Checker