Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Removing a Heritage Tree in Mountain View requires a permit, a finding of justification, and replacement plantings. Unpermitted removal carries significant penalties.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County requires a tree removal permit for heritage trees such as native oaks over 12 inches DBH, trees in hillside zoning districts, and any tree associated with an active development application.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Required for Heritage | - |
| Replacement | 24-inch box or fee | Required at set ratio |
| Findings | Hazard or conflict | - |
| Illegal removal fine | Up to 2,500 dollars | - |
| Street trees | City-only removal | - |
| Oak permit threshold | - | 12 inches DBH |
| Arborist report | - | Required for justification |
| Hillside zones | - | Broader protections |
| Penalty | - | Up to 10,000 dollars per tree |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Is my tree a Heritage Tree?
Heritage status depends on species and trunk size; measure circumference at 54 inches high and compare against the City species list, or ask the City Arborist.
Can I remove a dead Heritage Tree without a permit?
You still need a permit, but removal of a documented dead or hazardous tree is generally approved quickly by the City Arborist.
San Jose FAQ
Can I remove an oak to build a pool or ADU?
Possibly. Submit a tree removal application with your building permit package including an arborist report and landscape plan showing replacement plantings. The county may require relocation or mitigation fees.
What if a tree falls in a storm or is already dead?
Emergency and confirmed-dead trees can typically be removed without advance approval, but document the condition with photos and an arborist letter, and notify Planning within a reasonable time.
Compare other topics
See how Mountain View and San Jose compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool