Cupertino, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Cupertino, CA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Dept. of Community Development, Sec. 14.18.110
- Small-tree threshold
- 12-24 in single-trunk DBH needs basic application
- Large/heritage tree
- Needs arborist report and posted notice
- Removal cap
- 6 trees or 5% per 36 months in R1/A1/A/RHS/R2
- Emergency removal
- Retroactive permit due within 5 working days
- Penalty
- Infraction under Chapter 1.12
Summary
No one may remove a protected tree in Cupertino without a tree removal permit from the Department of Community Development under Municipal Code § 14.18.110. Applications scale with trunk size, larger and heritage trees need an ISA-certified arborist report, and R1, A1, A, RHS and R2 lots are capped at six mature trees or 5% every 36 months.
No person shall directly or indirectly remove or cause to be removed any protected tree without first obtaining a tree removal permit, unless such tree removal is exempt per Section 14.18.150. ... Maximum tree removal cap. In the R1, A1, A, RHS, and R2 zones, an applicant may remove up to six mature specimen trees or five percent of mature specimen trees on the property (whichever is greater) with a single-trunk between twelve and twenty-four inches (multi-trunk between twenty-four and forty-eight inches) within a thirty-six month period.
Full Breakdown
150. For a mature specimen with a single-trunk DBH of twelve to twenty-four inches (multi-trunk twenty-four to forty-eight inches), the application needs a drawing showing the tree and proposed replacements, a written explanation for removal, the owner's or HOA's signature with proof of an HOA vote where applicable, and the permit fee. 130. In the R1, A1, A, RHS and R2 zones, an applicant may remove up to six mature specimen trees, or 5% of mature specimen trees on the property, whichever is greater, within a rolling thirty-six month period before an arborist report and added notification are triggered.
180, such as disease, hazard, structural interference, or overcrowding; heritage tree removals and removals tied to a development application go to the Planning Commission or the relevant approval authority instead. 160.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected tree without first obtaining the Section 14.18.110 permit, or without filing the required retroactive application within five working days for an emergency or dead-tree removal, is an infraction under Chapter 1.12 per Section 14.18.220. The Director of Community Development can additionally require replacement trees or a Tree Fund in-lieu payment under Sections 14.18.160 and 14.18.170 regardless of the infraction penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Cupertino?
What extra documents does a large or heritage tree removal need?
How many trees can a homeowner remove without extra review?
What if a tree must come down in an emergency?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle tree removal & heritage trees.