Monterey, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Monterey City Code § 37-8 bars anyone from removing, damaging or relocating a tree on private property citywide unless the City Forester has issued a permit or an exemption applies. Normal pruning and trimming remain expressly permitted, generally following International Society of Arboriculture Tree Pruning Guidelines, but 'excessive pruning,' defined in § 37-2(G) as removing 25 percent or more of a tree's functioning leaf, stem or root area, is itself a permit violation unless the City Forester approved it beforehand, and a tree that dies or is irreparably damaged from excessive pruning must be replaced on top of any other penalty.

The permit requirement only bites for a 'protected tree' as defined in § 37-2(K): more than 2 inches in trunk diameter at 4'6" above natural grade on a vacant parcel, or more than 6 inches at the same height on a developed parcel. Section 37-9 exempts trees not meeting that definition, trees damaged by storms, floods, earthquakes or fire, trees a peace officer, firefighter, forester or code enforcement officer deems dangerous, trees removed by firefighters actively fighting a fire, and trees in above-ground containers. For an ordinary homeowner application, § 37-10 requires an application with the tree's number, species, size, location and reason for removal, plus the required fee, reviewed by the City Forester for trees not tied to new construction, or by the Community Development Department when removal is linked to a new commercial, residential or mixed-use project.

Depending on the reason for removal, § 37-11 can require no replacement tree, one replacement tree, up to three replacement trees on development-linked approvals, or payment in lieu of planting or maintenance, with values set by City Council resolution.