Tree Removal Permit
In San Carlos, trees are highly valued for their many contributions to the environment, public health, and quality of life in our community. The City of San Carlos is committed to promoting the preservation and development of a healthy, diverse tree canopy.
A Tree Removal Permit is required before removing or pruning a protected tree within the City of San Carlos.
Question: Is the tree in my yard a protected tree?
Response: This graphic provides details on how the City of San Carlos defines protected and unprotected trees. A Tree Removal Permit is required to remove or prune a protected tree. A Tree Removal Permit is not required to remove or prune an unprotected tree. For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions section below.
Tree Removal Guidelines and Application
A Tree Removal Permit is required before removing or pruning a protected tree within the City of San Carlos.
Click here for the Tree Removal Application
Click here for the Protected Trees Administrative Guidelines
Tree Removal: Questions and Responses
A “protected tree” is defined as:
- Heritage tree – An indigenous tree whose size meets specific criteria. Click here to learn more.
- Significant tree – Any tree that is 11” in diameter when measured at 54” above the natural grade, except for those trees that are unprotected.
- Any tree which is required as a part of a replacement permit, an approved development permit, or an approved landscaping plan.
An “unprotected tree" is defined as:
- Certain species are considered unprotected, regardless of their size or location and do not need a permit to be removed. Click here to learn more.
A tree must meet at least one of the following criteria to be considered for a Tree Removal Permit. For details, see the City’s Protected Trees Administrative Guidelines.
| Removal criteria |
Stages and requirements of review |
| 1. Death of the Tree |
1. Applicant submits an application, which includes a conceptual site plan that shows the protected tree that is proposed to be removed. 2. The City Arborist reviews the application materials and renders a final decision. |
| 2. Tree Risk Rating |
1. Applicant submits an application, which includes a conceptual site plan showing the protected tree that is proposed to be removed. 2. The City Arborist evaluates the risk rating of the tree proposed to be removed and renders a final decision. The tree risk rating shall be based on the International Society of Arboriculture Best Management Practices: Tree Risk Assessment and/or as indicated in the City’s Protected Tree Administrative Guidelines. |
| 3. Tree Health Rating |
1. Applicant submits an application, which includes a conceptual site plan showing the protected tree that is proposed to be removed. 2. The City Arborist evaluates several different criteria to determine the health rating of the tree and renders a final decision. |
| 4. Species |
1. Applicant submits an application, which includes a conceptual site plan showing the protected tree that is proposed to be removed. 2. The City Arborist analyzes if the tree in question is invasive or an undesirable species at the given location or not, and renders a final decision. |
|
5. Development (Existing or Proposed) & Damage to Habitable Structures Tree Appraisals may be required for removal and/or pruning. |
For Development (Existing or Proposed): 1. A written narrative of infeasibility and describing areas where structural damage is possible due to the tree(s). 2. Detail Site Plans: a. Existing site plan showing existing development. b. Proposed site plan showing proposed development. c. On the proposed site plan, location of all protected trees, within 30’-0 of all construction activities irrespective of proposed to be removed or not shall be shown. d. Detail information of each protected tree including but not limited to tree species, tree trunk diameter measured at 54”, heritage or significant tree, proposed action to be taken. 3. At least two alternative site plan designs showing infeasibility with respect to the tree proposed for removal. The City Arborist reviews all submitted materials and renders a final decision. For Damage to Habitable Structures: Applicants may submit a Tree Removal Application for instances when a protected tree is causing or contributing to structural damage to a habitable building. The term “habitable building” does not include amenities, such as walkways, patios, pools, and fire pits. Applicant submits necessary documentation to demonstrate that the tree is causing or contributing to structural damage to a habitable structure. Documentation must include:
The City Arborist reviews all submitted materials and renders a final decision. |
| 6. Utility Interference |
The utility, public, or transportation agency shall submit: 1. Proposed site plan showing proposed development. 2. On the proposed site plan, location of all protected trees, within 30’-0 of all construction activities irrespective of proposed to be removed or not shall be shown. The City Arborist reviews all submitted materials and renders a final decision. |
The Tree Removal Permit application must be submitted online. Click here for instructions on How to Submit a Planning Application & Pay Your Fee These instructions provide details on how to upload your application.
Up to one fourth of the canopy or roots (up to 25%).
Yes. The fee varies depending on the reason for removing the tree. Additional information is provided in this chart.
| Reason for Removal | Fee | How is the fee charged? |
| Dead Tree | $100.00 | Per Application |
| Risk of Health Rating | $500.00 | Per Application |
| Species | $500.00 | Per Application |
| Development | $500.00 + staff time (actual cost) | Per Application |
| Utility Interference | $500.00 | Per Application |
| Tree Protection Plan Review |
$750.00 (for 5 or fewer trees) |
You can also check the City of San Carlos Master Fee Schedule for additional fees and more detail.
No, the fee is not refunded. Each Tree Removal Permit application is reviewed by the City Arborist, and the fee pays for their time.
Yes, the payment of fees is required for all tree removal or pruning applications, even if you have hired your own arborist. The fee pays for review by the City Arborist, which is required.
Yes. If you have an emergency regarding the removal or pruning of a protected tree that requires an immediate response for the safety of life or property, you can email planning@cityofsancarlos.org.
In your email, include:- Your name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Property address
- Detailed description which includes (as much as possible):
- Description of current tree emergency or hazards
- Tree location relative to house, other structures, and streets
- Tree size and species
- Permission for the City Arborist to visit the site and any relevant instructions
- Photos of the tree
- Any other details to help City staff process your request.
Yes. You must apply for a Tree Removal Permit before removing a protected tree that is dead. The permit will be reviewed by the City Arborist.
A City-owned “public tree” is any tree that is located within:
- A street median
- City park, or
- Other publicly-owned property
A “private tree” is any tree that is located within:
- The area between the street and the sidewalk
- The boundaries of privately-owned property
- The area between the street and a parking strip
- Unimproved right-of-way
A private tree is the responsibility of the property owner.
Yes. Once you receive your approved Tree Removal Permit and you remove a protected tree, you will be required to plant a replacement tree.
If a heritage tree is removed, it must be replaced with a tree that is listed in the Heritage Tree List (except for redwood trees, unless as allowed by the City Arborist). A heritage tree is defined as an indigenous tree whose size meets specific criteria. Click here to learn more.
If a significant tree is removed, it must be replaced with a tree that is listed in the City’s Preferred Tree List.
To learn more about the replacement tree size requirements, please review the City’s Protected Tree Administrative Guidelines.
Generally, a minimum 24” box size replacement tree is required, unless otherwise specified by the City Arborist, or as indicated within the Protected Tree Administrative Guidelines.
The City has a Preferred Tree List to help applicants choose an appropriate tree for a certain location. You can find the City’s Preferred Tree List here.
If you have an approved Tree Removal Permit, you must post the permit on your property for fourteen (14) calendar days before the tree can be removed. The permit must be placed on your property in a location that is easily visible to the public. If no appeal is filed in those fourteen days, then you can move forward with removing the tree.
An Emergency Tree Removal Permit must be posted for ten (10) days, but the tree can be removed before the ten days elapse.
For Development or Utility Interference applications: If you have an approved Tree Removal Permit for development of utility interference reasons, the property owners within 300’ feet of your property, where the tree is located, must be notified. The City of San Carlos will create and mail the notice.
The City’s Protected Tree Ordinance went into effect on June 9, 2022 – see Section 18.18.070 (Trees) of the City of San Carlos Zoning Code.
Background
San Carlos residents and members of the City Council expressed concerns about the number of trees being removed in San Carlos, especially trees removed for new development. In response, the City Council adopted an Urgency Ordinance (#1571) on June 14, 2021, which provided new regulations for protected tree removals. This Ordinance was extended on July 12, 2021, when the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance (#1572). Adoption of the Urgency Ordinance allowed City staff time to develop a comprehensive permanent Protected Tree Ordinance.
In March 2022, City staff presented the proposed Protected Tree Ordinance to the Planning Commission for a recommendation to the City Council. The Planning Commission favorably recommended adoption of the proposed Ordinance, with one change to redwood tree replacements. The Planning Commission also recommended eliminating redwood trees from the Heritage Tree Replacement List because redwoods have high water usage and are unsuitable for smaller lots. This change did not affect the designation of certain redwood trees as Protected Trees. Redwood trees that have a minimum diameter of 15” or greater (measured at 54” in height) are still protected under the Protected Tree Ordinance.
On April 25, 2022, the City Council unanimously approved the first reading of the Protected Tree Ordinance (#1580) to amend the San Carlos Municipal Code Section 18.18.070 (Trees) (to be replaced in its entirety); and 18.41 Terms and Definitions with a change to include Director discretion for allowing payment of tree replanting fees when tree replanting is not feasible. The second reading occurred on May 9, 2022, and the City Council unanimously approved the Protected Tree Ordinance (#1580). The new Ordinance became effective on June 9, 2022.