Milpitas, CA Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Milpitas regulates tree removal through its tree management provisions in Title X, Chapter 2 of the Municipal Code and through Ordinance 201.5. A permit is required to remove a tree that is a heritage tree, a protected tree, or a street tree; the City states that heritage, protected, and street trees 'may not be pruned or removed by the property owner without the city's written permission.' Under Ordinance 201.5, Section 7, protected-tree status is set by property type and by trunk circumference measured about 4.5 feet above the ground: 56 inches or greater (about 18 inches diameter) on residential property, and 37 inches or greater on commercial, industrial, zoning/subdivision, and vacant-lot property. A heritage tree, defined as an outstanding specimen or one of the largest or oldest trees in Milpitas, requires consultation with Public Works and a permit before removal regardless of routine size thresholds. Street trees in the public right-of-way are protected at any size and are removed only by the City or its authorized contractor. Permit applications are handled through the Public Works/Engineering Department; published guidance references an application fee of roughly $150 for protected-tree review, and the City may attach replacement-planting conditions. Residents uncertain whether a tree is protected should contact Public Works at (408) 586-2600 before doing any work.