🌴 Tree Removal Permit Requirements in California
Updated 2025 · Covers private residential property within California city limits and unincorporated areas
California has no statewide private-property tree removal law. Rules are set at the county and city level. Oak trees receive special protections in dozens of jurisdictions. Coastal counties often have additional environmental review requirements.
City-by-City Rules in California
| City / Area | Permit Rules |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Permit required for trees 8"+ trunk circumference (not diameter) in protected areas; heritage tree designations apply citywide |
| San Francisco | Urban Forestry ordinance requires permits for street trees; private property rules vary by district |
| San Jose | Permit required for heritage trees — any tree 70"+ circumference or 22"+ diameter |
| Sacramento | Protected trees include oaks and heritage trees above city-set thresholds |
| Oakland | Protected tree ordinance applies to trees 12"+ DBH citywide |
| San Diego | Permit required for landmark trees; neighborhood-specific rules vary |
General Guidance for California Homeowners
Because California has no statewide private-property tree removal law (or state-level rules that vary by city), the only way to be certain about your specific address is to contact your city's Development Services, Building Department, or Urban Forestry office directly. Provide your address and a description of the tree(s) you'd like to remove — most offices can answer in a single call.
How to Find Your City's Tree Removal Rules
- Use our Permit Checker — covers major California cities with specific threshold and fee data. Try it now →
- Call your city's Development Services — describe your address and tree. Most offices can confirm permit requirements in one call.
- Search your city's ordinance — "[your city] tree ordinance" or "[your city] urban forestry code" will typically surface the relevant regulations.
Common Exemptions That Apply Statewide
- Trees below each city's size threshold (diameter at breast height)
- Confirmed dead trees (simplified process in most cities)
- Emergency removal of imminent hazard trees (notify city within 24–72 hours)
- Trees on actively farmed agricultural land (check county rules)
Frequently Asked Questions — California
No — California has no statewide private-property tree removal permit requirement (with the exception of specific protected species like saguaro in Arizona, which is governed by state law). All permit requirements are set at the city, county, or municipal level. This means the rules differ significantly between cities — sometimes between neighboring cities with different ordinances.
In cities with active tree ordinances, unpermitted removal of a protected tree can result in fines ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per tree, plus mandatory replacement planting requirements. The violation can follow the property deed through real estate transactions. See our violation and fines guide for detailed information.
Related: Oak Tree Permit · Heritage Protected Trees · Do I Need A Permit