Tree Removal Permit Rules by City (2026)

Most Restrictive

1. 1
   Miami Beach, FLYes — through Environment Dept

   Miami Beach requires permits for removing any tree that normally matures to 20 feet or more under Chapter 126 (Landscape Ordinance). No person may cut down, destroy, or effectively damage a protected tree without following the city's permit procedures. The Environment and Sustainability Department oversees tree protection.

2. 2
   Ventura County, CADiscretionary Tree Permit

   Ventura County requires a discretionary Tree Permit under §8107-25.7 before removing any protected tree. Applications require an arborist report and are reviewed by the Planning Director. Removal is only approved when no feasible alternative exists and minor pruning cannot resolve the issue.

3. 3
   Ojai, CA$10,000 per tree

   Ojai requires permits to remove protected native trees including oaks (Valley Oak, Coast Live Oak) with trunks 6 inches or more in diameter at breast height. The city's heritage oaks are a defining feature of the valley landscape.

4. 4
   Simi Valley, CAFor all protected trees

   Simi Valley requires permits to remove protected trees including native oaks and designated significant trees. The application process requires an arborist report and the city typically mandates replacement planting or in-lieu fees.

5. 5
   Kings County, NY$5,000–$15,000+

   NYC Admin Code §18-129 prohibits damaging or removing any street tree without a NYC Parks permit. Fines for unauthorized removal start at $5,000 and can reach $15,000+ based on tree size.

6. 6
   Coral Gables, FLAll trees meeting size thresholds

   Coral Gables requires a tree removal permit before removing any tree on public or private property that meets size thresholds. Chapter 82, Article II of the Code of Ordinances governs tree protection. A tree survey is required with permit applications. The city tree preservation agency must approve all removals, relocations, and replacements within 10 working days.

7. 7
   Costa Mesa, CA

   Costa Mesa requires prior city approval before removing any tree that was required by a site plan, landscaping condition, or planning approval. Trees shall not be destroyed or removed without review by the Planning Division, which may require a California licensed arborist report. Replacement trees of comparable size are required where possible. Street trees in the public right-of-way are city property and may not be trimmed or removed by residents.

8. 8
   Mission Viejo, CAUp to $10,000+ per tree

   Mission Viejo requires permits for removing protected trees on private property. Trees with trunks 10 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH) are generally protected. The city's strong tree preservation policy requires justification for removal and replacement planting.

9. 9
   Skokie, IL

   Skokie is a Tree City USA community with a strong forestry program. Parkway trees are village property and cannot be removed without Public Works authorization, while removal of significant private trees may require permits and replacement.

10. 10
    San Mateo County, CA

    The San Mateo County Protected Tree Ordinance (Ordinance No. 4895, adopted October 22, 2024; Code Title 11) requires a permit to remove or significantly prune any tree 12.1+ inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) anywhere in the unincorporated County, and any tree 6+ inches DBH in the Residential Hillside (RH) District. Certain native species (coast live oak, California bay laurel, redwood, Douglas-fir) receive heightened protection regardless of size. An arborist report is typically required, and replacement planting or in-lieu fees apply.