A permit (click here to apply) is required to plant a tree in, upon, or along any public street, sidewalk, or walkway. Additionally, a permit is required to remove or significantly prune any heritage tree, any tree on undeveloped property and any street tree. 

A heritage tree is defined as a tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH = 4.5 feet above grade) of 22 inches. A permit is required to remove any tree on undeveloped property with a DBH of 7 inches. Pruning is defined as, and limited to, removal of less than 25% of the tree's foliage. An arborist’s report and photograph of the tree(s), as well as a Tree Supplemental Questionnaire are required prior to this application being complete. Application must include at least one photo showing the context of the tree or application may be deemed incomplete. 

If the tree is healthy, a 10-day notice will have to be sent to the adjacent neighbors in a 300-foot radius. If the tree can be verified by an arborist report to be dead, dying or dangerous, the Town can typically approve such permits immediately.

A replacement tree will most likely be required on a 1-to-1 bases. You can consult the links below for a list of acceptable replacement trees:

Tree Replacement Criteria List

PG&E Guide to Small Trees

NOTE: Acacia, Eucalyptus, Plum, Privet and Monterey Pine trees are considered nuisance trees and do not require a permit to remove. (S.A.M.C. Sections 4-9 & 4-13)

Fire Safety Tips:

Fuel reduction does not typically require whole tree removal. To prevent the spread of fire, removing ladder fuels below the tree, such as bushes, dry grass, etc., and limbing the tree up from the ground is all that is needed.