Tree removal permit rules in Santa Clara, CA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Removing street trees or protected heritage trees in Santa Clara requires a permit and often replacement planting. Removing small, non-heritage private trees is usually allowed.
Santa Clara regulates removal of trees under its heritage and street tree provisions. Street trees in the parkway strip are city property; removal requires written approval from the Director of Parks and Recreation and typically in-kind replacement at the owner's expense. Heritage trees on private property, defined by species and diameter at breast height thresholds, require a tree removal permit supported by an arborist report showing hazard, disease, or unavoidable construction conflict. Permits may condition removal on replacement planting or in-lieu fees. Non-heritage private trees below the protection threshold generally may be removed by the owner without a permit, though removal during construction may still require tree protection measures and landscape plan compliance.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Santa Clara's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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