Palo Alto Tree Removal Permit — What You Need to Know

What changed with the May 2024 tree ordinance?

The biggest change is that far more trees are protected now. On May 1, 2024, Palo Alto's updated Tree Protection Ordinance (PAMC Title 8, Chapter 8.10) took effect. Before the update, private-tree protection centered on a few native species such as coast live oak and valley oak, plus coast redwood. The update did three things:

• Added more native species and a new "protected mature tree" category covering most trees 15 inches in diameter or larger.
• Added new owner duties, including a public notice before pruning a protected tree.
• Tightened replacement rules, with a goal of no net loss of tree canopy.

Many homeowners don't realize that an ordinary-looking backyard tree may now need a permit.

Which trees are protected in Palo Alto?

A tree is protected if it falls into any of the city's categories, the most common being size-based. Under PAMC 8.10.020 and the city's summary:

How do I measure my tree?

Measure the trunk diameter 54 inches (4.5 feet) above natural grade, known as "DBH." The easiest way is to wrap a tape measure around the trunk at that height and divide the circumference by 3.14. A circumference of about 36 inches means roughly 11.5 inches in diameter. About 47 inches means roughly 15 inches, and about 57 inches means roughly 18 inches. Multi-trunk trees and trees on slopes are trickier, so have an arborist measure them if you're close to a threshold.

Which trees are exempt?

Certain species are excluded from the 15-inch "protected mature tree" category. The city's exempt list (updated February 14, 2024) includes:

• high-water-use trees such as birches, willows, alders, dawn redwood and some poplars
• invasive or problem species such as blue gum and red gum eucalyptus, tree-of-heaven, black locust, glossy privet, European olive, edible fig and Brazilian pepper
• all palms

Exempt status doesn't override the other categories. A street tree or heritage tree is still protected. On properties not zoned single-family or low-density residential, an exempt species can still be protected if it was planted under an approved landscape plan. Check the current list on the city's website.

What reasons does the city accept for removing a protected tree?

For a home that isn't part of a construction project, Palo Alto accepts four reasons, and the arborist report must also show that treatment or corrective work isn't feasible. Under PAMC 8.10.050(a), the tree must be:

1. dead, hazardous, or a public nuisance under PAMC 8.04.050;
2. a detriment to, or crowding, an adjacent protected tree;
3. at risk of retrenchment or other decline, or not consistent with "right tree in the right place" principles; or
4. impacting the foundation or eaves of the residence, or required covered parking.

For hazard claims, the city asks for an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) Level 2 assessment or similar.

Development projects (additions, new homes, ADUs, subdivisions) follow separate rules in PAMC 8.10.050(b)–(d), such as when construction would kill the tree with no financially feasible alternative. For a project, get the tree removal permit before you submit the building permit to avoid delays.

One consequence to know about: after a permitted removal outside of development, the city may impose a temporary moratorium on developing the property. That can last up to 24 months by the urban forester, or up to 36 months by the planning director (PAMC 8.10.050(a)(2)).

How do I apply for a tree removal permit?

Apply through the city's Online Permitting Services (OPS) portal, or email a Tree Permit application plus an arborist report to Urban Forestry. The basic steps for a single-family home not under development:

1. Confirm the tree is protected using the categories above, or ask an arborist.
2. Hire a certified arborist to inspect the tree and write the report (see below).
3. Submit the application. The city prefers the OPS portal, where you create an account and submit a pre-application. Alternatively, email the Tree Permit Application with the arborist report to trees@paloalto.gov.
4. Respond to city review. Urban Forestry staff may ask for more information, photos or a site visit.
5. Follow the permit conditions, including notice requirements, replacement planting or in-lieu fees.

Commercial, industrial and multi-family properties go through a Staff Level Architectural Review with the Planning & Development Services Department instead of an Urban Forestry permit. Work on or near a street tree always needs a Tree Permit from Public Works Urban Forestry first.

What must the arborist report include?

The report must document the tree and prove one of the allowed removal reasons. A short "letter report" is acceptable for three or fewer protected trees, or for a single-family lot that isn't a subdivision. According to the city, a letter report must include:

• the arborist's name and certification number; the purpose of the report and who it's for; the site address and inspection date(s)
• a to-scale diagram or photos showing the tree's location; trunk diameter measured at 54 inches; canopy spread; proximity to structures
• tree health and structural condition, including decay; hazard rating (ISA TRAQ or similar); interaction with utilities
• conclusions and recommendations, photographs, and tree protection instructions if needed

For a removal permit, the report must also explain why treatment or corrective practices aren't feasible and which allowed reason applies. Until the city finalizes its Designated Arborist list, any ISA Certified Arborist or registered ASCA consulting arborist may prepare the report.

How long does a Palo Alto tree permit take?

The city doesn't publish a fixed processing time that we could verify, so check with the city for current timelines. Expect time for the arborist visit and report, city review, any requests for more information, and the public notice and appeal process that applies to permits under PAMC 8.10.140. A complete application with a clear arborist report is the best way to avoid delays. For hazardous trees, tell Urban Forestry about the urgency when you apply. Contact Urban Forestry at pwps@paloalto.gov for current processing times.

Will I have to replace the tree or pay a fee?

Usually yes. Palo Alto requires replacement planting for most permitted removals, under its "no net loss of canopy" policy. The urban forester approves the number, species, size and location of replacement trees, following the Tree and Landscape Technical Manual. Locally native species are prioritized. When replacements can't fit on your property, you can pay an in-lieu fee into the city's Forestry Fund instead. For 2026 the fee is $1,250 per 24-inch box tree. When a protected tree is removed because it is dead, hazardous or a nuisance, the urban forester decides the mitigation case by case (PAMC 8.10.055).

Do I need a permit just to prune a protected tree?

Not a removal permit, but you must post a public notice at least seven days before pruning a protected tree. Under PAMC 8.10.070:

• The notice must be posted visibly on the property, describing the tree, the date of work, pruning standards and a contact number.
• Removing dead, diseased or broken branches, and work on protected trees under five years old, are exempt.
• Pruning beyond the city's limits requires a written request to the urban forester at least 14 days in advance, plus approval.

The city provides a Protected Tree Maintenance Notification Form online. Owners must also avoid harmful practices such as topping, excessive pruning, girdling, poisoning, and trenching or paving within the tree protection zone.

What are the penalties for removing a protected tree without a permit?

The penalties are serious. Unpermitted removal is a misdemeanor, and each day of violation can be a separate offense (PAMC 8.10.100). Under PAMC 8.10.110, the city can also pursue:

• Civil penalties of $10,000 per tree, or twice the tree's appraised reproduction cost, whichever is higher, for a complete removal. Reproduction cost is valued using the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers' Guide for Plant Appraisal.
• A development moratorium of up to five years on the property, or a stop-work order on active construction. Replacement is required at no less than twice the normal ratio.
• Administrative citations and fines, injunctions, and recovery of the city's investigation, trial and attorney costs.

These penalties can apply to anyone who "commits, allows, or maintains" a violation, so a homeowner can be liable even when a contractor did the cutting. Exact administrative fine amounts weren't verified here, so check with the city.

Where can I get official information?

The authoritative sources are the City of Palo Alto and the municipal code:

• City of Palo Alto, Tree Ordinance Information
• City of Palo Alto, Protected Trees
• Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 8.10
• Urban Forestry Section, Public Works: pwps@paloalto.gov or trees@paloalto.gov

This guide was last reviewed in October 2026. Rules change, and the city is revising its Tree and Landscape Technical Manual, so confirm current requirements before work begins.

Which tree services usually involve a permit?